Why ‘Out’ Judges Matter

by Jason Burns, Political Director – Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund

At the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, we work to elect openly LGBT leaders to public office at all levels because we believe that authentic representation is crucial to ensuring that our community’s voice is heard. We are of the belief that our government should resemble the diversity of our country, and the judicial branch, where judges rule on cases impacting LGBT Americans on an almost weekly basis, is no exception.

The judiciary rules on issues that affect all members of society which means diversity in representation becomes even more important. If the diversity of the nation or a community is not reflected in its judiciary, our legal system is weakened.

LGBT Americans have been affected greatly by recent rulings coming down from our nation’s court systems. Since the fall of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in June of 2013, state bans on marriage equality have been falling on what seems to be a weekly basis. Last week the Supreme Court declined to hear any of the marriage cases before them, and as a result our country took another step towards fairness and equality. These important victories in court rooms across the country would not be possible without strong genuine representation within the judiciary.

(L-R) Justice Mary Yu, Judge Janet Garrow, Judge Johanna Bender

In Washington State this year, races like those of out candidates Mary Yu, Janet Garrow, and Johanna Bender provide opportunities to bolster LGBT representation in the Evergreen State. Justice Mary Yu has served on the Washington State Supreme Court since May of this year, when Governor Jay Inslee appointed her to the position. In addition to becoming the first openly LGBT member of the state’s highest court, Yu is also the first Latina and Asian-American to serve. Prior to her current position, Yu served as a trial court judge in King County Superior Court for 14 years, where she led the Minority and Justice Commission, tasked with eliminating bias in the court system.  On December 9, 2012, Yu became the first Justice to perform a same-sex marriage in Washington State following the successful passage of Referendum 74 in November of 2012.

The importance of races like Yu’s is all the more apparent when the judiciary is called on to decide on matters of equality. Rarely has an electorate ever voted to grant more rights to any minority. It is with the elections of candidates like Yu, Garrow, and Bender that the LGBT community can be guaranteed real representation and an authentic voice in the decisions impacting our lives.

The Victory Fund is a member of the GSBA and is a non-partisan organization that endorses and supports LGBT candidates for office.  Jason Burns’ article expresses the opinions and viewpoints of the Victory Fund.  The GSBA does not endorse candidates for office

GSBA Endorses Prop 1

The GSBA Board of Directors has voted to endorse Seattle Proposition 1 in the November 2014 general election.

"As a mass transit rider whose bus routes to downtown were eliminated during the last cuts, I was left with less frequent and non-direct bus service, resulting in a longer commute.  Additional planned cuts will make commuting to work and navigating the City more difficult for most and impossible for others. I am proud that GSBA is taking a leadership position to save our mass transit system by endorsing Proposition 1. Avoiding debilitating cuts and preserving mass transit is critical to Seattle businesses and workers alike. Our employees, clients and customers need reliable mass transit with frequent buses throughout the City to get to work and appointments, shop downtown and patronize neighborhood businesses, restaurants and nightlife." - GSBA Board Member Mona Smith

The transit-only measure would raise an estimate $45 million per year through a $60 vehicle licensing fee (with $20 low-income rebate) and a 0.1% sales tax, both of which expire in 6 years. This is the same funding source as the King County Proposition 1, which was supported by 66% of Seattle voters.

Transit is vital for our whole community - for employers, for employees, for customers, for students, for seniors, for everyone.

Visit the Yes for Seattle Transit website for more information about the campaign.

Get out the Vote!

As of Wednesday morning, only 12% of Seattle and King County voters have returned their ballots. It is time to fill our your ballot, put a stamp on that envelope and send it back in! It's a long ballot for us this year, so make sure you know what you are voting on.

GSBA has officially opposed Initiative 517. Read more about our decision here.

Still confused about some of the candidates and positions on the ballot? There are a lot of ratings and voter information guides out there:

Voter Information:
Living Voters Guide (CityClub)
2013 General Election Voters Guide (Office of the Secretary of State)
Profiles of GSBA-member candidates: Sally Bagshaw, Dow Constantine, Ed Murray, Albert Shen

Candidate Ratings and Endorsements:
SEAMEC - rating candidates on LGBT issues since 1977; also available in the Seattle Gay News
Municipal League
The Stranger Election Control Board
Civic Alliance for a Sound Economy (CASE)
Seattle Times
Progressive Voters Guide
NARAL Pro-Choice Washington

GSBA Urges Voters to Reject I-517

The Board of Directors of the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) has unanimously voted to oppose Initiative 517.
                                
GSBA is opposing I-517, the Tim Eyman initiative on initiatives that would allow signature gatherers unfettered access onto private property such as store entrances, arenas and business reception areas and limit the right of the private property owners to ask them to leave. The initiative creates a 25 foot buffer zone for signature gathers. The initiative would also create a new disorderly conduct misdemeanor offense for harassing signature gatherers, despite laws already on the books.

I-517 would additionally guarantee that any local or state ballot measure receiving the requisite number of signatures would automatically be placed on the ballot, regardless of a measure’s constitutionality or validity.  Any court challenge would have to wait until after the election and enactment of the measure. This would increase the expense to Washington State taxpayers by forcing unnecessary elections on unconstitutional or otherwise invalid measures.

GSBA reviewed I-517 through our member-led Public Policy Task Force at its October 21st meeting, which included a discussion and NO recommendation to the Board of Directors.

Candidate Profile: Sally Bagshaw

GSBA has invited all of its members who are running for office to provide a profile to share with the rest of the membership. We have given each of them a set of questions to respond to so that you can get to know them better. We are posting the profiles as we receive them. GSBA does not endorse candidates, but we are happy to let those candidates who are part of our organization introduce themselves to the rest of our growing membership. Don't forget to vote and mail in your ballots before November 5!

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Running for Re-election to Seattle City Council

sallybagshaw.com

These last four years I have asked this question daily:  What type of community do we want to create?  For me, it is one that is fair, respectful, and supports everyone in our city to live a healthy life of his or her choosing.

We have seen some challenging years economically, yet we have much to applaud.  Last November we celebrated together as voters in our state approved R-74.  We celebrated again this summer as the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that all loving couples deserve equal treatment and respect under federal law. 
As a lawyer, I have advocated for equal rights for all committed couples.  I believe children and families in our community are strengthened when marriage is available to all who choose that path. 

We have made steps in the right direction, yet I recognize we have much more work to do: many members of our LGBT community have told me they continue to feel the effects of discrimination in the workplace. Many youth feel humiliated at school and rejected at home. And hundreds of LBGT immigrants face barriers to housing, safety, and personal security. All of these issues matter to me personally, and I will work with you and other leaders in our community to shine a light on these problems until everyone feels respected and is fairly treated.

These past four years on the Council, I have a list of accomplishments I am proud of, and it’s a list I want to expand.  As chair of the Parks and Neighborhood committee, I have assured our 400+ parks and programs are efficiently maintained and available to everyone.  Specifically,

• I made sure the city kept its word and honored its deal with MOHAI. This treasure draws thousands to the new South Lake Union Park.
• I oversaw a lengthy analysis of our community centers. We adopted a new management system, saving the city $1.2M a year.
• I have supported an interdepartmental effort to create Neighborhood Greenways and a connected network of safe and separated bicycle lanes citywide for all ages and abilities.

These next four years I will dedicate my efforts toward creating a transportation system that is a comprehensive, connected network.  Fund more transit! I will work with human service providers and our police and mental health providers to address safety problems in every neighborhood.  And I will work with you to create a safe and respectful community for all.

I listen and treat people with respect. That is what I have been doing and what I want to continue to do. The GSBA has been there for me throughout the years; I want to continue to be there for you, as YOUR Councilmember.  Thank you for your support!

Tamara Murphy Wants to Know What She is Serving

NOTE - GSBA has not taken a stance on I-522. The opinions below are solely those of their author.
 
As the executive chef at Terra Plata, my customers ask me a lot of questions about the foods I serve them. They ask whether it’s organic, if it contains peanuts, and whether it’s Kosher. The question I can’t currently answer is whether it contains genetically engineered ingredients.

Initiative 522 would label genetically engineered (GE) foods in Washington state. It would provide to all Washingtonians, no matter their zip code or income level, the same information about the groceries they buy. A yes vote on initiative 522 would ensure labeling for genetically engineered foods, just as we already have labels for natural and artificial ingredients, sugar, sodium and whether our salmon is wild or farm-raised.

Currently Washingtonians can buy organic foods and know they are not genetically engineered, but Initiative 522 will give all Washingtonians more choice and control of their food. It is a common sense initiative that will provide equality in access to information about our food.  In some neighborhoods in Seattle, residents don’t have access to regular produce, let alone healthier foods options. The labels required by I-522 would break down this barrier and allow Washingtonians all over the state and at every income level access to information about what’s in the food we buy. It should be up to shoppers, not big corporations, to decide whether they want to buy GMO foods or not.

Labeling gives consumers the right to know what’s in their foods.

For me, it’s not about whether using genetically engineered food is right or wrong. It’s about having knowledge and choice. It’s as simple as that.

More than 353,000 Washingtonians signed petitions to get this initiative on the fall ballot –the second highest number of signatures gathered for an Initiative to the Legislature in state history. This measure would add Washington to the list of states that have passed legislation to label genetically engineered foods, following Connecticut and Maine, as well as Alaska’s policy to label GE salmon, which should hit the market this year.

Yes on 522 has strong in-state support with over 5,000 individual donors, while just five out-of-state corporations fund No on 522. I ask that you stand with Washington shoppers, not five large out of state companies, and support the right to know what is in the groceries we buy and feed our families. 

You can join myself and several other chefs at Bite Nite on September 19th for a small-plates dinner showcasing some of the best restaurants in the Seattle area to benefit Yes on 522. More information about Bite Nite can be found at yeson522.com/bitenite.

Sincerely,
Tamara Murphy
Executive Chef and Owner, Terra Plata

Candidate Profile: Bruce Harrell

GSBA has invited all of its members who are running for office to provide a profile to share with the rest of the membership. We have given each of them a set of questions to respond to so that you can get to know them better. We are posting the profiles as we receive them. GSBA does not endorse candidates, but we are happy to let those candidates who are part of our organization introduce themselves to the rest of our growing membership. Don't forget to vote and mail in your primary ballots before August 6!

Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Running for Mayor of Seattle

What are the top 3 reasons why you are seeking to be elected as Seattle’s next mayor?

• Create jobs in Seattle and an ecosystem in which the private sector thrives.
• Make Seattle the most livable city in the world through a focus on public safety, transportation, education, infrastructure, and affordability.
• Build ‘One Seattle’ to provide the pathway to success for all, and where all residents feel valued and respected.

What are your top 3 priorities for your first year in office?

• Implement Proactive Police Plan which includes the hiring of local community service officers who’ll come from your community and will protect your streets.
• Convert community centers to empowerment centers where our next generation will be taught civics, conflict management, environmental sustainability, and provided resources to help them succeed.
• Develop a new college endowment fund to allow every graduate in Seattle Public Schools to attend a local college tuition-free for one year.

What are 3 changes you would make in running the City and/or to the Office of Mayor?

• Refocus the city on core services such as sidewalks, potholes, and synchronizing traffic-lights while also planning for our future.
• Be more proactive and better prioritize initiatives and actions based on long term goals and vision for the city.
• Improve transparency in how we do business and make decisions, to drive efficiencies and restore trust in city government.

What do you consider your 3 most important accomplishments you have achieved in your present office?

• Created "The Great Student Initiative” which will prepare some of our most vulnerable children for the global economy.  This legislation provides a huge discounted rate for high-speed internet access and a computer for all low-income students in Seattle Public Schools.
• As Chair of City Light, I worked with our utility to provide the lowest electricity rates among the twenty-five largest cities in the nation (6.88 cents per kilowatt hour), created a $100 million rainy day fund to protect low income families and small businesses in a downturn, and improved City Light’s financial policies to boost its credit rating which saved $67 million over two years.
• Passed groundbreaking Race and Social Justice legislation that requires our City to recognize the diversity of our city before taking legislative or budget action. Every community deserves respect.

What LGBT issues will you address in your first 6 months in office?

• Securing safe and stable shelter and social services for homeless youth. Recognizing that 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, we need to provide opportunities for these young people to complete school and build pathways to success.
• Improve public safety, particularly in and around Capitol Hill.  Successful communities start with safe communities, and despite progress in marriage rights, violent crime in our city is on the rise.
• Support for the completion of LGBT Community Center on Capitol Hill.

Candidate Profile: Dow Constantine

GSBA has invited all of its members who are running for office to provide a profile to share with the rest of the membership. We have given each of them a set of questions to respond to so that you can get to know them better. We are posting the profiles as we receive them. GSBA does not endorse candidates, but we are happy to let those candidates who are part of our organization introduce themselves to the rest of our growing membership. Don't forget to vote and mail in your primary ballots before August 6!

Executive Dow Constantine
Running for re-election as King County Executive

1.    What are the top 3 reasons why you are seeking reelection as King County Executive?

1. I want to ensure King County continues to invest in the infrastructure - human, natural, and physical - that allows people to fulfill their potential; invest not only in our roads, but also in educating the next generation of King County residents, and in protecting the environment that draws so many people to our region.

2. We must continue to improve government to be its most effective. By continually improving government to help families and small businesses, we increase public confidence and sustain quality services.

3. I want to continue setting the stage for prosperity that is not only great, but also broad. The parks and open spaces, businesses and entrepreneurs, cultural diversity, and boundless spirit of the families and communities of this forward-thinking region can only exist if we set the stage for a future prosperity accessible to all.


2. What do you consider your top 3 accomplishments and/or achievements in your past term as King County Executive?

1. In 2011, I secured temporary funding authority from the Legislature, and a supermajority of the County Council, to preserve Metro Transit during the recession.

2. After more than a dozen years fighting the massive expansion of the gravel mine on Maury Island, I was able to complete the County’s purchase of 250 acres of upland forest and a mile of undeveloped Puget Sound shoreline.

3. I put new leadership in place and worked with our employees and volunteers to create the new Regional Animal Services of King County. The animal shelter, which once had a shameful euthanasia rate of over 40 percent, now has a euthanasia rate of under 14 percent.


3. What are your top 3 priorities for the 1st year of your new term in office?
I will ensure King County makes the investments in transportation necessary to keeping our regional economy—and the people who live here—moving forward. I will continue to find solutions to preserve Metro Transit, ensuring greater mobility on our roadways.

I will continue to deliver on difficult environmental issues, protecting sensitive shoreline from destruction, refining land use regulations to protect people and wildlife, and expanding public investment in forests, farmlands, and open space.

I will continue to build a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to make government operations as efficient and sustainable as possible, protect workers’ security, and ensure that those who need a helping hand are able to get it.


4. What LGBT issues will you address in your first 6 months in office?
As County Executive, my goal is to ensure that all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity are accorded equal protection of the laws, and that we do all that we can do to hasten the day when bigotry has been driven from society. I will continue fighting for the LGBT community and basic American values, ensuring that everyone in King County receives equal treatment from their government.

Candidate Profile: Ed Murray

GSBA has invited all of its members who are running for office to provide a profile to share with the rest of the membership. We have given each of them a set of questions to respond to so that you can get to know them better. We are posting the profiles as we receive them. GSBA does not endorse candidates, but we are happy to let those candidates who are part of our organization introduce themselves to the rest of our growing membership. Don't forget to vote and mail in your primary ballots before August 6!

Senator Ed Murray
Running for Mayor of Seattle
Website


I’ve represented Seattle’s 43rd Legislative District for 18 years. I was the prime sponsor of our marriage equality law, our Safe Schools anti-bullying bill, and our anti-discrimination bill. I’m endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and Equal Rights Washington.

I live in Capitol Hill with my partner of 21 years, Michael Shiosaki. If elected, I would be Seattle’s first gay mayor.

1.       What are the top 3 reasons why you are seeking to be elected as Seattle’s next mayor?
Seattle currently lacks effective leadership, impairing our ability to move forward on critical issues like public safety, transportation and education. We need a mayor who can bring people together to solve tough problems in creative, progressive ways; I have those skills. Secondly, I love this city. It is an innovative, dynamic place, but it also faces significant challenges that I want to address. Third, I have a vision of a more livable city with distinctive, safe neighborhoods served by good schools, connected by convenient transit and transportation options, where quality of life is second to none.

2.       What are your top 3 priorities for your first year in office?
I will conduct a national search for a police chief who understands the best practices of urban law enforcement, commands the respect of our line officers, can reform the culture of the department and restore the public trust. 

I will create the Move Seattle Strategy, a comprehensive transportation plan that integrates and prioritizes our current bike, pedestrian, transit and freight plans. I will work to secure needed funding for Metro Transit and bring ST3 to the ballot by 2016 to expand light rail service.

I will leverage existing City resources to bring stakeholders together to help make Seattle’s schools an urban model for the nation. I will expand the work of the Early Learning Academy, to ensure that every student begins kindergarten ready to succeed.

3.       What are 3 changes you would make in running the City and/or to the Office of Mayor?
I will repair the frayed relationship between the Office of Mayor, the City Council, and the City Attorney.  I will work with King County so that when we press Olympia for critical funding, we are united with a common agenda. Second, rather than fighting police reform, I will embrace it, working with City Attorney Holmes, the US Attorney and the Obama Justice Department to create needed change. Finally, I would restore an office of strategic policy planning in the mayor’s office, so that we can more effectively work across disciplines and departments to create positive change. 

4.       What do you consider your 3 most important accomplishments you have achieved in your present office?
Passing marriage equality in Washington was an incredibly important achievement.  I am also proud of my work as Chair of the House Transportation Committee, restoring transit funding, created the Mobility Grant Program to fund local transit agencies, and passed the 9.5-cent gas-tax increase. Last year, as Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, I was able to protect education funding and save core social services.

5.       What LGBT issues will you address in your first 6 months in office.
I will work closely with Seattle’s LGBT community to identify and address issues of concern.  I will continue the push for an LGBT community center, work with city stakeholders to address bullying, and strengthen the LGBT training component in Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Candidate Profile: Albert Shen

GSBA has invited all of its members who are running for office to provide a profile to share with the rest of the membership. We have given each of them a set of questions to respond to so that you can get to know them better. We are posting the profiles as we receive them. GSBA does not endorse candidates, but we are happy to let those candidates who are part of our organization introduce themselves to the rest of our growing membership. Don't forget to vote and mail in your primary ballots before August 6!

Albert Shen
Running for City Council - Position 8
Website

1.       What are the top 3 reasons you are seeking to be elected to Position 8 of the Seattle City Council?
2.       What are your top 3 priorities for your first year in office?
3.       What do you consider your top 3 achievements and/or qualities that make you qualified to be a Seattle City Councilmember?
4.       What LGBT issues will you address in your first 6 months in office?

 I’m Albert Shen and I want to serve on the Seattle City Council.

I’m the son of Chinese immigrants and grew up in Pullman, WA. I came to Seattle nearly 30 years ago to study global warming and environmental chemistry at the University of Washington.

I live on Capital Hill and own a small business, a civil engineering firm. You’ve probably never heard of my business, but my team has worked on some of our most important regional projects, like Sea-Tac Airport’s Rental Car Facility, Seattle’s e-Park system and currently on the Seattle Waterfront Redevelopment Program. For our contributions, we were honored as Seattle’s Small Business of the Year in 2009.

For over 20 years, I’ve been committed to making Seattle stronger. I volunteered on President Obama’s National Finance Committee. Governor Gregoire appointed me to the Seattle Community College Board of Trustees and I volunteer on many other local non-profit boards.

I am running for Seattle City Council because we are still staggering out of the worst economic recessions of all time. Small businesses suffered disproportionately and our city has to do better to support the growth of our diverse small businesses base in Seattle.  We need policies that promote the start up and growth of businesses in Seattle otherwise higher per capita earning jobs cannot be created.  I want to see the City take leadership on fixing our educational policy and bring a back to basics approach with public safety and get our officers visible on the streets again so everybody can feel safe to walk in any neighborhood.

Relationships are a fundamental part of our local economic success.  I have been to the White House, US Congress and the WA State Legislature to advocate for our local small business success in Seattle.  Recently, I worked with the US-Small Business administration to create an ambassador program for the local ethnic chambers of commerce so federal resources can reach underserved ethnic business communities.   I will work with our federal partners to bring the same resources to the LGBT community and develop innovative programs to grow our economic base.

With the passage of equal rights marriage in Washington State, we have a unique opportunity to leverage the uniqueness of Seattle and Washington State as a marriage destination.  I want to prioritize funds for the LGBT business chambers so nationwide marketing can be done to promote our local LGBT businesses.  This attracts visitors to Seattle so revenue can be generated for our local economy and build upon our success.

As a small business owner I understand the challenges that owners have had to face during the recession.  We cannot get complacent and I want to bring my small business perspective to our City Council so our economy will be the strongest one in the nation. 

Election Night Events

[UPDATED 11/6/12 5:00 p.m.]
There are a lot of big events planned for Elections Night.  Here are some of the options for you:

Washington United for Marriage

Seattle - Westin Hotel, Cascade Ballroom
1900 5th Ave
Formal program and events beginning at 7 p.m.
No RSVP required

Tacoma - Murano Hotel, Lower Level Ballroom
1320 Broadway Plaza
Contact Hannah Britt

Spokane - nYne Bar & Bistro
232 W Sprague Ave
7:30 p.m.
Contact David Ellis

Vancouver - Hilton Portland and Executive Tower
921 W 6th Ave, Portland, OR
7:30 p.m.
Contact Kyle White

Capitol Hill

The Lobby Bar Election Night Party / Street party at Pike and Broadway
916 E Pike St
7 p.m.

Saint John's Bar & Eatery (link)
719 E Pike St

The Out & Equal Election Night After-Party at The Social
1715 E Olive Way
9 p.m.
RSVP to Andy Riffle by Monday, November 5.

The Grille on Broadway Election Cocktails
314 Broadway E
6 p.m.

Cupcake Royale Vote for Cupcakes
1111 E Pike St
Free baby scoop or babycake when you tag your voting pic

Babeland - Voting is Sexy!
707 E Pike St
Visit between 1 and 5 and cast your vote for which sex toy should govern your bedroom. Prizes drawn every hour!

Diesel (Facebook)
1413 14th Ave

Social Outreach Seattle (SOSEA) at Neighbors
1509 Broadway
6 to midnight

(see the full Capitol Hill Seattle list for more)

Other Seattle

Sazerac (website)
1101 4th Ave
Happy hour starts at 4, goes until the winner is announced
Special election cocktails - Mitt Julep & Oban-a Scotch on the B'rocks



The Stranger Election Night Party
Showbox at the Market
1426 1st Ave
4:30 p.m. until it's all over
719 E Pike St

Bottleneck Lounge (Facebook)
2328 E Madison St
Doors open at 4, happy hour until 8

Washington State Democrats at the Westin
President Obama, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Jim McDermott, Jay Inslee, Kathleen Drew
Grand Ballroom, 4th Floor (separate from R74 event)

Get your ballots in!

For those of us in Washington State, our ballots will start showing up in our mailboxes this afternoon.  This is a big election year and we strongly urge all our members and friends to educate themselves about the candidates and issues on the ballot.

GSBA's Board of Directors has endorsed a vote to APPROVE Referendum 74 and a NO vote on Initiative 1185.  It is a given that the country's largest LGBT business chamber would be fully behind the push for marriage equality, and we are very proud of so many of our members' public stances on this defining issue.  Equality is good business and is good for business.

The Board also agrees that Tim Eyman's I-1185 will adversely impact our state's ability to effectively legislative and will unduly tie the hands of government to react to the needs of the citizens.  Education, transportation, health care and more will be negatively impacted by this initiative.

As a non-partisan organization, GSBA does not endorse individual candidates.  If you are looking for additional information on the many races this year, we suggest any of the following resources:

SEAMEC - 2012 General Election Candidate Ratings (also available in the Seattle Gay News)
Equal Rights Washington - Progressive Voters Guide
CityClub - Living Voters Guide
NARAL Pro-Choice Washington - NARAL Endorsements
The Stranger Election Control Board - Long Form
The Stranger vs. The Seattle Times via SeattlePI

Don't forget to vote and mail in your ballots (or drop them off) as soon as possible.
Campaigns will stop calling you after your ballot is received by the county.

2012 GSBA Ballot Positions

GSBA Endorses Approval of Referendum 74, No Vote on Initiative 1185

SEATTLE – The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), the nation’s largest LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the second largest business chamber in the region has released its 2012 voter’s guide.  The GSBA’s Public Policy Task Force has taken the time to talk with representatives from several of the ballot measures that Washingtonians will face this November. Acting on the Task Force’s recommendation, the Board of Directors voted to take official positions on Referendum 74 and Initiative 1185.

With more than three decades’ experience fighting for equality, GSBA has worked as part of the coordinating committee for Washington United for Marriage since the start of the campaign.  Accordingly, the GSBA Public Policy Task Force and the Board of Directors endorse marriage equality and strongly recommend an “APPROVE” vote on Referendum 74. Marriage equality is good business and good for business.

It is the shared belief of the GSBA Public Policy Task Force and Board of Directors that Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1185 will hamper the state’s ability to effectively legislate and unduly tie the hands of government to react to the needs of the citizens.  Education, transportation, health care and more will be negatively impacted by this initiative.  GSBA recommends its members vote “NO” on Initiative 1185.

GSBA strongly encourages everyone to fill in and return their ballots by November 6.