POSITIONS TAKEN BY THE PJALS STEERING COMMITTEE
Statewide & local initiatives
YES on I-940 – Police Training & Community Safety
This measure would require all law enforcement officers in the state to receive violence de-escalation and mental health training, as developed by the criminal justice training commission. It would require law enforcement personnel to provide first-aid to save lives and require law enforcement agencies to adopt guidelines for implementing this duty. It would amend the standard for justifiable use of deadly force by law enforcement, including adding a “good faith” standard and requiring an independent investigation.
YES on I-1631 – Clean Energy & Jobs
This measure would impose pollution fees on certain large emitters of greenhouse gas pollutants based on rules determining carbon content, starting in 2020. A public board would supervise spending the revenues on reducing pollution, promoting clean energy, and addressing climate impacts to the environment and communities. Utilities could receive credits for approved investments. Indian tribes would consult on projects directly impacting their land. There would be periodic reporting on the measure’s effectiveness.
YES on I-1639 – Gun Ownership & Purchase Requirements
This measure would require increased background checks, firearm safety training, and waiting periods before semiautomatic assault rifles may be purchased or delivered. It would impose age limitations on who may purchase or possess certain firearms, including prohibiting firearm purchases by persons under age 21. It would require certain secured firearm storage or trigger-locks, and criminalize certain firearm storage if it results in unauthorized use. It would enact other firearm-related requirements, including certain warnings, recordkeeping, and fees.
Yes on SPOKANE SD 81 Proposition No. 1 – Bonds to Construct New Schools and Replace and Renovate Aging School Facilities
The Board of Directors of Spokane School District No. 81 adopted Resolution No. 2018-10, concerning a proposition to relieve overcrowding and improve educational opportunities. This proposition would authorize the District to: construct 3 new middle schools serving Northeast, Northwest and Southside; replace or renovate Glover, Sacajawea, Shaw, On Track Academy and Albi Stadium; renovate Libby; construct commons/cafeteria at Lewis and Clark; acquire land; make District-wide safety, technology and other smaller improvements; issue no more than $495,300,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within 20 years; and levy annual excess property taxes to repay the bonds, all as provided in Resolution No. 2018-10.
Yes on CITY OF SPOKANE Proposition No. 1 – Spokane Public Library General Obligation Bonds
The City Council of the City of Spokane passed a resolution approving a plan to finance the acquisition, construction, remodel and equipping of the City’s public library system. Resolution No. 2018-0069 authorizes modernization of the Downtown, South Hill and Indian Trail branches; expansion and modernization of the Shadle branch; remodel or relocation of the Hillyard branch; construction of new Liberty Park and Libby Center branches; installation of library kiosks throughout the City; equipping and outfitting the branches; issuing up to $77,000,000 in general obligation bonds repaid from an annual excess levy on real property, maturing within 25 years from date of issue.
PJALS Member Potluck & Voting Party
Wednesday, October 24th
5:30 pm—8:00 pm
Community Building Lobby, 35 W. Main
Tasty potluck nosh, voter guide on initiatives, quick reports on activities and finances!
Bring food, your ballot, and your friends! Kids and potential members welcome!
Facebook event to share and invite your friends
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, PJALS does not take any position on candidates but we can share information when all of the candidates were asked the same questions. We will be adding links to various candidate questionnaires as they become available.
Click here for the Black Lens Election Edition for candidate responses to the paper’s questions.
Click here for Washington Physicians For Social Responsibility’s (WPSR) first ever survey on national security and climate issues.
Click here for the Spokane County Elections Office Voter Guide with statements from candidates.