Our Nov. 3 election endorsements

The deadline for returning ballots in Washington’s vote-by-mail election is at 8 p.m. Tuesday ( Nov. 3). Two statewide initiatives, a historic parks proposal in Olympia and numerous candidates for mayor, city council seats, school boards and other positions are on the ballot in South Sound.

The Olympian editorial board spent many weeks interviewing candidates and studying the issues, and we published our endorsements during the past three weeks after ballots were mailed to voters.

Here is a recap:

Yes on Initiative 1401:

This measure bankrolled by billionaire Paul Allen would create new state crimes and penalties for trafficking in the body parts of 10 endangered animals including elephant ivory. Though flawed in the way it puts the onus on owners of historical items made of elephant ivory or other animals’ skin and horns, it has exemptions including materials older than 100 years and keepsakes handed down through wills. I-1401 may inspire action in other states as scientists and conservationists draw the line globally against imports and sales of trophies that should no longer be traded for cash.

No on Initiative 1366:

This is initiative promoter Tim Eyman’s latest fraud on voters and should be rejected. It would cut a penny of the state sales tax, or $1.4 billion a year, which is needed to pay for improved K-12 schools. Eyman would void the tax cut if two-thirds of House and Senate legislators voted to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2016 that imposes a new two-thirds super-majority requirement for tax increases. This would tie our divided Legislature into tighter knots and lock in tax breaks for special interests. Put this bad idea in the trash.

Yes on Olympia Prop. 1:

Olympia needs new money for parks maintenance and parks programs, and other funds are needed to buy land for new parks to meet the demands of a growing population. Proposition 1 would raise the property tax by 54 cents per $1,000 of property, or $108 per year for a 200,000 home. We regret that the measure was rushed to the ballot before the City Council has approved a parks plan update (due in March) but it deserves support.

Downing for Port of Olympia, District 1:

It is time for change, and Joe Downing, a state bank examiner, deserves election over two-term incumbent George Barner. Downing can bring new energy and intelligence to the job as the port tries to end losses at its deep-water shipping terminal.

Zita for Port of Olympia, District 3:

E.J. Zita , a college professor, farmer and environmental champion, can serve as a public watchdog as well as a source of innovative ideas for port operations. Her opponent Jerry Farmer would be competent, but has a viewpoint too similar to the other commissioners to be an effective hedge against the port’s history of financially questionable decisions.

Selby for Olympia mayor:

Olympia City Council member Cheryl Selby brings the best mix of experience as owner of a small downtown business, past city employee and advocate for a better city business climate. Her rival, Marco Rossaire Rossi, brings articulate concerns about those who are homeless, poor and left out of the political process, and he could be a strong successor to Selby on the council.

Bateman for Olympia City Council, Position 2:

Jessica Bateman, a United Way employee and former legislative aide, brings an energetic concern for downtown’s safety and economic development and shows a nimbler grasp of politics and a broad range of issues than her opponent, Judy Bardin. Both candidates, who served on the Olympia Planning Commission, are qualified.

Gadman for Lacey City Council, Position 3:

Jeff Gadman, a City Council incumbent and county assessor employee, has a broader vision and deeper local-government experience than his challenger, Bill Frare. Gadman also has a more sensible view of the role of land-use rules and of the countywide ban on merchants’ disposable plastic shopping bags. He deserves re-election to improve transportation and the government transparency.

Oliva for Tumwater City Council, Position 2:

Tom Oliva deserves another four-year term to put his accumulated knowledge to work improving the city’s business climate and addressing land use problems. Challenger Stephen Ssemaala brings an interesting background as a Uganda political refugee, but lacks Oliva’s record of civic involvement.

Brodersen for Tenino mayor:

Mayor Bret Brodersen has made tough choices to clean up city finances and hold a police chief accountable since taking office, which makes him a better choice than challenger Wayne Fournier, a city councilman with roots in Tenino.

Wilhelm for Olympia school board:

Joellen Wilhelm brings a thoughtful approach to school issues and is an advocate for the educational needs of both struggling students and those from low-income homes. She and rival Jessica “Jess” Revalas have young children in local schools, are smart and involved, and both are well-qualified.

Yes on Thurston Fire District 8 proposal:

Proposition 1 would expand rural Thurston County Fire District 8’s commission to five members, up from three. This makes sense and was an expectation of many Fire District 7 voters when they agreed last year to merge their Boston Harbor area district into District 8, which was centered in South Bay.

Yes on Griffin safety, technology levy:

Proposition 1 raises $1.1 million over two years for Griffin school safety and technology costs. The levy total is 58.1 cents per $1,000 of assessed property and deserves support.

This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Our Nov. 3 election endorsements."