Local Initiative Proponent Files Appeal Brief in Whatcom County Property Tax Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2025
Bellingham, WA – Local initiative proponent Tim Koetje, with the support of Washingtonians for a Sound Economy, filed an opening brief in the appeal of a decision that prevented Initiative 01-2024 from appearing on the ballot in Whatcom County. The ruling by a Superior Court judge last September blocked Initiative 01-2024 from being voted on in last November's election. The initiative garnered signatures from nearly 10,000 registered voters in Whatcom County and would have repealed an unpopular property tax. The case is now pending in the Court of Appeals in Division One.
"The brief filed today lays out the case for why our fundamental right to have our voices heard should not be violated. The judge was wrong—plain and simple," said Washingtonians for a Sound Economy representative Ashley Butenschoen. "The case against the initiative should have been thrown out because it was brought too late under the law, but she allowed it to go forward. She was also wrong to say that you can vote to create a tax but that voters can't later change their minds and repeal it. That makes no sense."
"Our argument is very clear: The people can repeal a tax by local initiative. The lawsuit against the initiative was time-barred according to state law. And the initiative did not violate the state constitution’s protection against impairing contracts," said Jackson Maynard, attorney for the Appellant. "One of the key points we raise in the brief is that not a single contract in the record would be impacted by the initiative. All the ones provided by the other side specifically contain clauses allowing for termination for convenience, especially if funding is not available. We look forward to presenting our arguments to the appellate court."
The next steps in the case include further briefing over the next 60 days, after which the court will either issue a ruling or schedule oral arguments.
Media Contact:
Ashley Butenschoen
360-224-4123
info@soundeconomywa.com