Tagged: Election 2011

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington voters are getting bombarded with a twenty million dollar fight over the privatization of hard liquor sales. Initiative 11-83 on the fall ballot would close state liquor stores.

Costco and other large retailers are funding the "yes" side in an effort to pick up that business. Beer, wine and spirits wholesalers are bankrolling the "no" effort. Both sides make wildly contradictory claims.

Business banning together to influence elections in Washington is nothing new, but this group may not be the usual suspects with the usual politics.

The newly formed group, the Civic Alliance for a Sound Economy (CASE), announced in a press release today that it is poised to take action in the upcoming Seattle elections with more than 40 companies already supporting it. The PAC members, it said, represent sectors that include restaurants, retail, manufacturing, construction, tourism and recreation, real estate, finance, professional services, transportation and life sciences.

Making headlines around the Northwest this morning:

• Thousands Mourn Slain Guard as Investigations Continue
• Pierce Transit Ballot Defeated
• School Votes Mixed

Guard's Memorial Draws Huge Crowds

Making headlines around the Northwest this morning:

• Feds Need to Help I-5 Mess near Lewis-McChord Base
• Bellevue Business Giant Resigns Over Eastside Light Rail
• Election Day for Pierce Transit, Some Schools

Pentagon Should Help Fix JBLM Traffic Mess: Report

A new report on the impact of military bases to their local communities recommends the Pentagon pony up for traffic improvements - including I-5 upgrades - along Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The National Research Council study is detailed by reporter Adam Ashton in The News Tribune:

The report shows that the U.S. military is spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year to improve Lewis-McChord, but not on off-base roadwork. The military spent $1.8 billion on capital projects at the base over the past three years, and it plans to spend another $2 billion over the next five.