2010 Endorsements
Chapter Endorsement Page
The following candidates have been endorsed by Washington Conservation Voters for the 2010 Election in Spokane County... (View Statewide Endorsement List)
District 3, Spokane
Statewide Initiatives
State Supreme Court
Endorsed: Rep. Timm Ormsby (3rd LD)
Timm Ormsby isn’t your typical environmental legislator. Timm is a cement mason; his typical base of support comes from labor. However, over the last two years, Timm has been the prime sponsor of legislation to clean up stormwater pollution, the biggest threat to clean water in our state.
Endorsed: Stan Rumbaugh (State Supreme Court)
This race could not offer a more stark contrast for voters. Stan Rumbaugh has spent a career fighting for individuals, the rule of law, and the welfare of his community. His opponent, Justice Jim Johnson, however, has a track record of siding with powerful special interests opposed to stronger environmental protections.
Endorsed: Charlie Wiggins (State Supreme Court)
Attorney Charlie Wiggins is running for State Supreme Court to restore integrity, impartiality, and independence to the bench. He is an exceptionally well-qualified lawyer and national expert in judicial ethics. He is running against an incumbent, Justice Richard Sanders, who has displayed strong ideological leanings that have impacted his ability to be unbiased.
Endorsed: Yes on R-52
Many schools across our state are riddled with mold, asbestos, lead and other toxins that can harm our kids and make their learning environments unhealthy and unsafe. Approving Referendum 52 would work to protect our kids and our environment from the risks generated by these contaminants. If passed, it will use a $500 million bond created from existing taxes to modernize public schools, community colleges and universities in Washington with healthy, energy saving building improvements.
Endorsed: No on I-1053
Tim Eyman is back. His latest initiative, I-1053, recycles the failed concept behind Initiative 960 - forcing a two-thirds vote of the legislature to pass any increase in revenue for our state, such as taxing polluters. If this initiative passes, next legislative session's expected $3 billion budget deficit will have to be closed with another brutal all-cuts budget. Critical protections that keep our air safe to breathe, our water healthy to drink, and toxic contaminations cleaned up would once again be at risk.
Endorsed: No on I-1107
Initiative 1107 would repeal the small, mostly temporary tax on non-essential items like candy, soda, bottled water and gum. The money raised – more than $100 million per year – goes to fund services such as environmental protections, schools, and health care. Soda pop has no nutritional value, and is a major contributor to the epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes – with taxpayers footing much of the bill. It makes sense for the highly profitable soda companies to pay back a small amount for the costs their products create. Vote No on 1107.
"Supporting legislators and policymakers who consistently work for the health of the air, water, and land is probably the single most powerful thing an individual can do to protect the environment -- you're not living green if you don't vote green." – Michael Garrity, Pierce Conservation Voters