Calls issue warning on initiatives

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001922081_signatures07m.html

Friday, May 07, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 A.M.

Calls issue warning on initiatives

By Beth Kaiman
Seattle Times staff reporter

As many as half a million area households are receiving recorded phone calls this week that warn voters to beware of initiative drives because some paid signature gatherers have criminal pasts and may "say anything to get your signature."
The unprecedented campaign, which began yesterday in the 206 and 425 area codes, appears to be an effort to prevent Tim Eyman from getting the nearly 200,000 signatures he needs to get each of his two proposed initiatives on the Nov. 2 ballot.

The calls do not mention Eyman or the tax-cut and gambling measures he is promoting with the help of volunteers and paid signature gatherers.

But the group funding the calls, the Washington State Council of County and City Employees, opposes Eyman's efforts, citing what it says would be a loss of government jobs and services.

This spring, at least six initiative efforts are employing paid signature gatherers or say they have the money to do so. The going rate tends to be $1.50 to $3 per signature.

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because it is a Washingston State issue and this is a Washington State forum?

I am glad to have this information about Tim Eyman's propositions/initiatives. His politics have cost our area a ferry and have seriously impacted our local economy and property values.

I plan on looking up more info on his latest proposals and am always glad for a head's up about phone campaigns/warnings.

Thanks for posting this icymist!

and it's a Washington state issue. Everybody in this state will be getting these phone calls and being approached by signature gathers recruited from other states. I believe this practice is wrong. Eyman makes a whole bunch of money, win or lose his 'special' issues!

I read the newspapers enough to know what's up with Eye-man and I'd never sign for one of his POS initiatives. But I suspect his paid minions will package the deal so he's transparent to the folks who are approached....