Three amendments to the county charter also are on the ballot. All – amendments 1, 2 and 3 – deserve a “Yes” vote.

Amendment 1 merely adds language to the preamble of the County Charter to say that insuring responsibility and accountability applies to “local and regional governance and service.”

Amendment 2 gets rid of a campaign finance annoyance. Now, candidates must file the same receipts and expenditure form to both the county and state. Amendment 2 would eliminate this duplication.

Amendment 3 changes collective bargaining to let the Sheriff negotiate all aspects of public safety work rules except wages and benefits, which would stay with the County Executive.

It clearly makes sense to give the Sheriff, who knows how and where deputies should be assigned, the power to negotiate that with the unions.

Summary:

“No” on Proposition 1, the sales tax increase.

“Yes” on charter amendments 1, 2 and 3.

– Craig Groshart, Bellevue Reporter