Olympia Area: Church of the Good Shepherd 1601 North St SE

Haggen Northwest Fresh (Parking lot, near Pier 1 Imports) 1313 Cooper Point Rd SW

Thurston County Courthouse * 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW

*The Auditor’s Office, Bldg 1, Rm 118 is the only place to get a ballot, replacement ballot or provisional ballot. Official Local Voters’ Pamphlet

City of TumwaterTumwater Transportation Benefit DistrictApril 28, 2015Special Election

Last day to register to vote: Monday, April 20Must be done at the Thurston County CourthouseBallots must be deposited in a drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night.Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, April 28.Please check your USPS mailbox pickup time to ensure your ballot will be postmarked on Election Day.

Dear Tumwater Voter:

The City of Tumwater asked the Auditor’s Office to produce this pamphlet for their ballot proposition. Inside, you’ll find measure information, important voter registration dates, contact information and drop box locations.

If you return your voted ballot by mail, it must be postmarked by Election Day, April 28. If you mail your ballot on Election Day, be sure to check the last pickup time to ensure your ballot is postmarked on time. Alternatively, you can drop it off by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night in one of the five (5) convenient ballot drop boxes open for this election.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Vote and make your voice heard!

Sincerely,

Mary HallThurston County Auditor

Mary HallAuditor

Published by the Thurston County Auditor’s Office2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 1, Rm 118Olympia, WA 98502Phone: (360) 786-5408Fax: (360) 786-5223TTY: (360) 754-2933Email: elections@co.thurston.wa.usThurstonVotes.org

There are five (5) drop boxes for this election, open 24 hours a day starting April 8 and closing promptly at 8:00 p.m. on Election Night.

Save a first-class stamp Use a Ballot Drop Box!

Tumwater Area: Tumwater School Administration 621 Linwood Ave SW

Tumwater Timberland Library 7023 New Market St SW

Voting Center & Accessibility InformationWhat is the AutoMARKTM?

The AutoMARKTM is a voting assistance machine that enables voters who cannot otherwise read or mark their ballots to vote independently and secretly. Voters with visual impairments, cognitive or learning disabilities, difficulty reading, or mobility impairments can use the machine to have their ballots read to them, magnify the print on the ballots, display the ballots in high contrast, and mark their ballots. The machine does not count or produce a ballot.

Voting Center & AutoMARKTM Location, Dates & Times

Thurston County Courthouse Auditor’s Office* 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 1, Rm 118, Olympia April 8 - April 27, 2015 (Monday - Friday)8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. April 28 (Tuesday) - Election Day 8:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m.

* The Auditor’s Office is a voting center beginning April 8, 2015 for theApril 28 Special Election. This is the only location that issues ballots or will host an AutoMARKTM accessible voting machine. Contact us at(360) 786-5408 or TTY (360) 754-2933, or emailelections@co.thurston.wa.us if you need a replacement, regular, or provisional ballot or wish to use the AutoMARKTM device to mark your ballot. Please bring your unmarked ballot materials.

The City of Tumwater is the only jurisdiction on the April 2015 Special Election ballot in Thurston County.

For questions about the ballot measure,please contact the local jurisdiction:

City of Tumwater (360) 754-4140ci.tumwater.wa.us

Olympia Area: Church of the Good Shepherd 1601 North St SE

Haggen Northwest Fresh (Parking lot, near Pier 1 Imports) 1313 Cooper Point Rd SW

Thurston County Courthouse * 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW

*The Auditor’s Offi ce, Bldg 1, Rm 118 is the only place to get a ballot, replacement ballot or provisional ballot. Offi cial Local Voters’ PamphletOffi cial Local Voters’ Pamphlet

City of TumwaterCity of TumwaterTumwater Transportation Benefi t DistrictTumwater Transportation Benefi t DistrictApril 28, 2015April 28, 2015Special ElectionSpecial Election

Last day to register to vote: Monday, April 20Must be done at the Thurston County CourthouseBallots must be deposited in a drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night.Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, April 28.Please check your USPS mailbox pickup time to ensure your ballot will be postmarked on Election Day.

Gary C. AlexanderDear Tumwater Voter:Dear Tumwater Voter:

The City of Tumwater asked the Auditor’s Offi ce to produce this The City of Tumwater asked the Auditor’s Offi ce to produce this pamphlet for their ballot proposition. Inside, you’ll fi nd measure pamphlet for their ballot proposition. Inside, you’ll fi nd measure information, important voter registration dates, contact information and information, important voter registration dates, contact information and drop box locations.drop box locations.

If you return your voted ballot by mail, it must be postmarked by If you return your voted ballot by mail, it must be postmarked by Election Day, April 28. If you mail your ballot on Election Day, be sure Election Day, April 28. If you mail your ballot on Election Day, be sure to check the last pickup time to ensure your ballot is postmarked on to check the last pickup time to ensure your ballot is postmarked on time. Alternatively, you can drop it off by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night in time. Alternatively, you can drop it off by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night in one of the fi ve (5) convenient ballot drop boxes open for this election.one of the fi ve (5) convenient ballot drop boxes open for this election.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Vote and make your voice heard!Democracy is not a spectator sport. Vote and make your voice heard!

Sincerely,

Mary HallThurston County AuditorThurston County Auditor

Mary HallMary HallAuditorAuditor

Published by the Thurston County Auditor’s Offi cePublished by the Thurston County Auditor’s Offi ce2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 1, Rm 1182000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 1, Rm 118Olympia, WA 98502Olympia, WA 98502Phone: (360) 786-5408Phone: (360) 786-5408Fax: (360) 786-5223Fax: (360) 786-5223TTY: (360) 754-2933TTY: (360) 754-2933Email: elections@co.thurston.wa.usEmail: elections@co.thurston.wa.usThurstonVotes.orgThurstonVotes.org

There are fi ve (5) drop boxes for this election, open 24 hours a day starting April 8 and closing promptly at 8:00 p.m. on Election Night.

Save a fi rst-class stamp Use a Ballot Drop Box!

Tumwater Area: Tumwater School Administration 621 Linwood Ave SW

Tumwater Timberland Library 7023 New Market St SW

Voting Center & Accessibility InformationWhat is the AutoMARKWhat is the AutoMARKTMTM??

The AutoMARKTMTM is a voting assistance machine that enables voters who cannot otherwise read or mark their ballots to vote independently and secretly. Voters with visual impairments, cognitive or learning disabilities, diffi culty reading, or mobility impairments can use the machine to have their ballots read to them, magnify the print on the ballots, display the ballots in high contrast, and mark their ballots. The machine does not count or produce a ballot.

Voting Center Voting Center & AutoMARK& AutoMARKTMTM Location, Dates & Location, Dates & TimesTimes

Thurston County Courthouse Auditor’s Offi ce*2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 1, Rm 118, OlympiaApril 8 - April 27, 2015 (Monday - Friday)8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.April 28 (Tuesday) - Election Day8:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m.

* The Auditor’s Offi ce is a voting center beginning April 8, 2015 for theApril 28 Special Election. This is the only location that issues ballots or will host an AutoMARKTM accessible voting machine. Contact us at(360) 786-5408 or TTY (360) 754-2933, or emailelections@co.thurston.wa.us if you need a replacement, regular, or provisional ballot or wish to use the AutoMARKTM device to mark your ballot. Please bring your unmarked ballot materials.

The City of Tumwater is the only jurisdiction on the April 2015 Special Election ballot in Thurston County.

For questions about the ballot measure,please contact the local jurisdiction:

City of Tumwater(360) 754-4140ci.tumwater.wa.us

Sincerely,

Olympia Area: Church of the Good Shepherd 1601 North St SE

Haggen Northwest Fresh (Parking lot, near Pier 1 Imports) 1313 Cooper Point Rd SW

Thurston County Courthouse * 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW

*The Auditor’s Office, Bldg 1, Rm 118 is the only place to get a ballot, replacement ballot or provisional ballot. Official Local Voters’ Pamphlet

City of TumwaterTumwater Transportation Benefit DistrictApril 28, 2015Special Election

Last day to register to vote: Monday, April 20Must be done at the Thurston County CourthouseBallots must be deposited in a drop box by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night.Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, April 28.Please check your USPS mailbox pickup time to ensure your ballot will be postmarked on Election Day.

Dear Tumwater Voter:

The City of Tumwater asked the Auditor’s Office to produce this pamphlet for their ballot proposition. Inside, you’ll find measure information, important voter registration dates, contact information and drop box locations.

If you return your voted ballot by mail, it must be postmarked by Election Day, April 28. If you mail your ballot on Election Day, be sure to check the last pickup time to ensure your ballot is postmarked on time. Alternatively, you can drop it off by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night in one of the five (5) convenient ballot drop boxes open for this election.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Vote and make your voice heard!

Sincerely,

Mary HallThurston County Auditor

Mary HallAuditor

Published by the Thurston County Auditor’s Office2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 1, Rm 118Olympia, WA 98502Phone: (360) 786-5408Fax: (360) 786-5223TTY: (360) 754-2933Email: elections@co.thurston.wa.usThurstonVotes.org

There are five (5) drop boxes for this election, open 24 hours a day starting April 8 and closing promptly at 8:00 p.m. on Election Night.

Save a first-class stamp Use a Ballot Drop Box!

Tumwater Area: Tumwater School Administration 621 Linwood Ave SW

Tumwater Timberland Library 7023 New Market St SW

Voting Center & Accessibility InformationWhat is the AutoMARKTM?

The AutoMARKTM is a voting assistance machine that enables voters who cannot otherwise read or mark their ballots to vote independently and secretly. Voters with visual impairments, cognitive or learning disabilities, difficulty reading, or mobility impairments can use the machine to have their ballots read to them, magnify the print on the ballots, display the ballots in high contrast, and mark their ballots. The machine does not count or produce a ballot.

Voting Center & AutoMARKTM Location, Dates & Times

Thurston County Courthouse Auditor’s Office* 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 1, Rm 118, Olympia April 8 - April 27, 2015 (Monday - Friday)8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. April 28 (Tuesday) - Election Day 8:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m.

* The Auditor’s Office is a voting center beginning April 8, 2015 for theApril 28 Special Election. This is the only location that issues ballots or will host an AutoMARKTM accessible voting machine. Contact us at(360) 786-5408 or TTY (360) 754-2933, or emailelections@co.thurston.wa.us if you need a replacement, regular, or provisional ballot or wish to use the AutoMARKTM device to mark your ballot. Please bring your unmarked ballot materials.

The City of Tumwater is the only jurisdiction on the April 2015 Special Election ballot in Thurston County.

For questions about the ballot measure,please contact the local jurisdiction:

City of Tumwater (360) 754-4140ci.tumwater.wa.us

Introduction to Local Measure For each measure in the Local Voters’ Pamphlet, the legislative authority of the jurisdiction placing the measure on the ballot is required to formally appoint committees to prepare statements advocating the approval and rejection of the measure. If the jurisdiction is unable to make such appointments, the

Thurston County Auditor advertises for such appointments. The Auditor’s Office encourages you to review all statements and seek additional information from the jurisdictions, the appointed citizens’ committees and local media.

City of TumwaterTumwater Transportation Benefit District

Proposition No. 1Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements

Explanatory Statement:

The Tumwater City Council, serving as the Board of the Tumwater Transportation Benefit District, Tumwater, Washington, adopted Resolution R2015-002 concerning a sales and use tax to fund transportation improvements within the District. This proposition would approve a two-tenths of one percent (0.2%) sales and use tax to be collected for ten years. Revenues would fund a repair, maintenance and improvement program for existing city streets and associated infrastructure including rebuilding, repaving, sealing, patching and other methods to improve and extend the life of pavement, bridges, drainage facilities and pedestrian improvements including repair or replacement of sidewalks and construction of curb ramps in conjunction with authorized pavement work.

Should this proposition be:

Approved

Rejected

As authorized by the legislature pursuant to RCW 36.73, the Tumwater City Council created the Tumwater Transportation Benefit District (TBD) for the purpose of funding transportation improvements including repair, maintenance and improvements to existing city streets and roads.

The Tumwater City Council, serving as the governing board of the district, adopted Resolution No. 2015-002 concerning a sales and use tax to fund specified transportation improvements. This proposition would approve a sales and use tax of two-tenths of one percent (0.2%), equaling 2 cents for every $10 in taxable sales, to be collected within the district as authorized by RCW 82.14.0455 for a term of ten (10) years. These revenues would be used for funding a repair, maintenance and improvement program for existing city streets and roads and associated infrastructure such as sidewalks and curb ramps. The work would be limited to within the district boundaries which are the same as the Tumwater city limits.

Statement Disclaimer:Statements For and Against are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for factual or grammatical accuracy by the Auditor’s Office.

Statement For: Statement Against:

Rebuttal of Statement Against: Rebuttal of Statement For:

Tumwater’s Proposition 1 is a proposal for funding improvements to Tumwater’s streets and sidewalks. As federal and state grant money shrinks, we must raise money locally to preserve our streets and sidewalks. By increasing the city’s portion of sales tax by two tenths of one percent (.002) on retail sales, an estimated $810,000 per year of revenue will be dedicated to much needed maintenance and repairs to Tumwater’s streets. The cost is small – just 2 cents on a $10 purchase or just $1 on a $500 TV. Groceries are not subject to sales tax so this won’t increase your food bill.

We all know our streets and sidewalks are in need of repair. Any tax increase should be a thoughtful decision by those who it affects. With the extensive retail sector in Tumwater, this small sales tax increase would be paid by a majority of the users of our city streets and roads as they drive to Tumwater to shop. In this way, the funding is shared, not just collected from Tumwater residents and businesses. The funds raised by this proposition can only be used to maintain and repair existing streets and sidewalks; they cannot be used to subsidize new development.

Well maintained streets and sidewalks not only connect our community and make our streets safer, they benefit our businesses, and help our police and fire departments respond to emergencies faster.

Please support Tumwater’s Proposition 1 and vote yes to maintain and improve Tumwater’s streets and sidewalks.

Submitted by Friends of Tumwater Streets (TumwaterStreets.com) Ralph Osgood, Shawn Myers, Jim Tuggle

Sales tax increases have an unfair and disproportionate impact on our poorest families:According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, “Washington [already] has the most unfair local and state tax system in the country”, with the bottom 20% of our families already paying 16.8% of their income toward existing State & Local Taxes. An additional local sales tax increase will only further increase the disparity between wealthy and poor families’ taxes as a percentage of income.

Existing revenue sources ought to be sufficient for maintenance and improvement of streets and sidewalks:In Tumwater’s nearly 150 year history, it has managed to maintain its streets and sidewalks without the burden of this new tax. As taxpaying citizens and families, we all know the difficulty of budgeting in the face of declining incomes and growing expenses. Unlike our municipality, however, we don’t have the luxury of taxing our way into a balanced budget. Rather, we’ve had to “tighten our belts” and adjust the priorities of our expenses to match our income. As citizens, it is our duty to hold our government to the same standards to which we hold ourselves - which means reducing inessential expenses in favor of more critical items like infrastructure maintenance.

There is no “end-date” to this tax increase:Without predefined funding goals, this tax increase will exist in perpetuity. Long after State and Federal infrastructure funding returns to normal levels, your children will still be paying this sales tax with no end in sight.

Submitted by Cameron Wilson

If you are not currently registered to vote in Washington State and you reside in the City of Tumwater, you have until April 20 to register to vote in this Special Election. You must register in person at the Thurston County Auditor’s Office (2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 1, Rm 118, Olympia, WA 98502).

Need to update your registration? Call (360) 786-5408, email elections@co.thurston.wa.us, or go to ThurstonVotes.org to update your information.

By law, this tax can only last for 10 years and cannot be extended without another public vote.

Tumwater aggressively manages its finances with a “tighten the belt” mentality and continues to search for ways to shift resources and reduce costs. Street maintenance costs are too high to manage within existing resources. In the past Tumwater received significant state and federal grant money to help pay for street maintenance. Those funds are no longer available.

Voter Registration Information

Even one year of new taxes ($810,000) is a lot of money to siphon out of Tumwater businesses and families’ budgets, let alone $8.1 million over 10 years. Sure “food” will be exempt, but the rest of our grocery bills? Prices of everything from toothpaste to diapers will go up - hitting our families where it hurts the most: our wallets.

Voting “No” sends a clear message to City leaders: don’t tax more – spend less!

Introduction to Local Measure For each measure in the Local Voters’ Pamphlet, the legislative authority of the jurisdiction placing the measure on the ballot is required to formally appoint committees to prepare statements advocating the approval and rejection of the measure. If the jurisdiction is unable to make such appointments, the

Thurston County Auditor advertises for such appointments. The Auditor’s Office encourages you to review all statements and seek additional information from the jurisdictions, the appointed citizens’ committees and local media.

City of TumwaterTumwater Transportation Benefit District

Proposition No. 1Sales and Use Tax for Transportation Improvements

Explanatory Statement:

The Tumwater City Council, serving as the Board of the Tumwater Transportation Benefit District, Tumwater, Washington, adopted Resolution R2015-002 concerning a sales and use tax to fund transportation improvements within the District. This proposition would approve a two-tenths of one percent (0.2%) sales and use tax to be collected for ten years. Revenues would fund a repair, maintenance and improvement program for existing city streets and associated infrastructure including rebuilding, repaving, sealing, patching and other methods to improve and extend the life of pavement, bridges, drainage facilities and pedestrian improvements including repair or replacement of sidewalks and construction of curb ramps in conjunction with authorized pavement work.

Should this proposition be:

Approved

Rejected

As authorized by the legislature pursuant to RCW 36.73, the Tumwater City Council created the Tumwater Transportation Benefit District (TBD) for the purpose of funding transportation improvements including repair, maintenance and improvements to existing city streets and roads.

The Tumwater City Council, serving as the governing board of the district, adopted Resolution No. 2015-002 concerning a sales and use tax to fund specified transportation improvements. This proposition would approve a sales and use tax of two-tenths of one percent (0.2%), equaling 2 cents for every $10 in taxable sales, to be collected within the district as authorized by RCW 82.14.0455 for a term of ten (10) years. These revenues would be used for funding a repair, maintenance and improvement program for existing city streets and roads and associated infrastructure such as sidewalks and curb ramps. The work would be limited to within the district boundaries which are the same as the Tumwater city limits.

Statement Disclaimer:Statements For and Against are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for factual or grammatical accuracy by the Auditor’s Office.

Statement For: Statement Against:

Rebuttal of Statement Against: Rebuttal of Statement For:

Tumwater’s Proposition 1 is a proposal for funding improvements to Tumwater’s streets and sidewalks. As federal and state grant money shrinks, we must raise money locally to preserve our streets and sidewalks. By increasing the city’s portion of sales tax by two tenths of one percent (.002) on retail sales, an estimated $810,000 per year of revenue will be dedicated to much needed maintenance and repairs to Tumwater’s streets. The cost is small – just 2 cents on a $10 purchase or just $1 on a $500 TV. Groceries are not subject to sales tax so this won’t increase your food bill.

We all know our streets and sidewalks are in need of repair. Any tax increase should be a thoughtful decision by those who it affects. With the extensive retail sector in Tumwater, this small sales tax increase would be paid by a majority of the users of our city streets and roads as they drive to Tumwater to shop. In this way, the funding is shared, not just collected from Tumwater residents and businesses. The funds raised by this proposition can only be used to maintain and repair existing streets and sidewalks; they cannot be used to subsidize new development.

Well maintained streets and sidewalks not only connect our community and make our streets safer, they benefit our businesses, and help our police and fire departments respond to emergencies faster.

Please support Tumwater’s Proposition 1 and vote yes to maintain and improve Tumwater’s streets and sidewalks.

Submitted by Friends of Tumwater Streets (TumwaterStreets.com) Ralph Osgood, Shawn Myers, Jim Tuggle

Sales tax increases have an unfair and disproportionate impact on our poorest families:According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, “Washington [already] has the most unfair local and state tax system in the country”, with the bottom 20% of our families already paying 16.8% of their income toward existing State & Local Taxes. An additional local sales tax increase will only further increase the disparity between wealthy and poor families’ taxes as a percentage of income.

Existing revenue sources ought to be sufficient for maintenance and improvement of streets and sidewalks:In Tumwater’s nearly 150 year history, it has managed to maintain its streets and sidewalks without the burden of this new tax. As taxpaying citizens and families, we all know the difficulty of budgeting in the face of declining incomes and growing expenses. Unlike our municipality, however, we don’t have the luxury of taxing our way into a balanced budget. Rather, we’ve had to “tighten our belts” and adjust the priorities of our expenses to match our income. As citizens, it is our duty to hold our government to the same standards to which we hold ourselves - which means reducing inessential expenses in favor of more critical items like infrastructure maintenance.

There is no “end-date” to this tax increase:Without predefined funding goals, this tax increase will exist in perpetuity. Long after State and Federal infrastructure funding returns to normal levels, your children will still be paying this sales tax with no end in sight.

Submitted by Cameron Wilson

If you are not currently registered to vote in Washington State and you reside in the City of Tumwater, you have until April 20 to register to vote in this Special Election. You must register in person at the Thurston County Auditor’s Office (2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Bldg 1, Rm 118, Olympia, WA 98502).

Need to update your registration? Call (360) 786-5408, email elections@co.thurston.wa.us, or go to ThurstonVotes.org to update your information.

By law, this tax can only last for 10 years and cannot be extended without another public vote.

Tumwater aggressively manages its finances with a “tighten the belt” mentality and continues to search for ways to shift resources and reduce costs. Street maintenance costs are too high to manage within existing resources. In the past Tumwater received significant state and federal grant money to help pay for street maintenance. Those funds are no longer available.

Voter Registration Information

Even one year of new taxes ($810,000) is a lot of money to siphon out of Tumwater businesses and families’ budgets, let alone $8.1 million over 10 years. Sure “food” will be exempt, but the rest of our grocery bills? Prices of everything from toothpaste to diapers will go up - hitting our families where it hurts the most: our wallets.

Voting “No” sends a clear message to City leaders: don’t tax more – spend less!