This ballot measure sounds so good: let the state sell bonds to finance construction and repair projects that would increase energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings.

Unfortunately, we doubt that it would come close to working as intended, leaving the taxpayer stuck with yet another bill.

Here’s the problem.

Like any energy efficient project, the benefit only occurs if you embrace the change. Without careful control, energy-efficient projects don’t pay for themselves and Referendum 52 doesn’t mandate any control or change at all.

Also, the bonds must be repaid by the recent tax on bottled water. But what if voters dump that law next week at the polls? That’s right, you’ll still be stuck paying back Wall Street for the cost of a dubious program. Even worse, that money has to be paid back before the state takes care of its other obligations.

Vote “No” on Referendum 52.

– Craig Groshart, Bellevue Reporter