SeaTac ‘Good Jobs’ initiative backers sue to stay on ballot

The following is from Yes! for SeaTac:

SEATAC (Aug. 29, 2013) — SeaTac small business owner and Good Jobs Initiative signer Patricia (P.J.) Seidenstricker filed a lawsuit Wednesday to keep SeaTac Proposition 1 on the November ballot. Seidenstricker is joined on the lawsuit by Brian White, a SeaTac voter from the McMicken Heights neighborhood, whose signature was thrown out for the lack of a date and other disenfranchised voters.

“To have a strong SeaTac economy, we need a strong middle class,” said Seidenstricker, owner of a pet boarding business in the Riverton neighborhood of SeaTac. “This initiative should be on the ballot so voters can choose a better future and thriving economy for SeaTac.”

Seidenstricker and White filed their lawsuit against King County Elections and City of SeaTac officials, asking them to put Proposition 1 back on the ballot. Earlier this week a Superior Court judge ordered the county to remove Proposition 1 from the ballot, despite King County Election’s and City of SeaTac’s early finding that voters supplied sufficient petition signatures. The lawsuit demands that King County elections officials keep Proposition 1 on the ballot to avoid voter disenfranchisement.

White’s signature was disqualified by the SeaTac Petition Review Board because it was not dated, even though King County Elections usually accepts undated signatures on initiatives.

Additionally, Yes! For SeaTac (which is not a party to the voters’ lawsuit) on Wednesday filed a motion asking Judge Darvas to direct the City of SeaTac to accept and review an additional 248 SeaTac voter initiative signatures submitted to the city clerk earlier this week, pursuant to SMC 1.10.140(F), which specifies that supporters have 10 days in which to amend the petition by filing additional signed petitions.

Judge Darvas responded immediately, agreeing to hear the Yes! For SeaTac motion on an expedited schedule and to make a decision by Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Corporate lawyers for Alaska Airlines and Washington Restaurant Association are leading the last ditch attempt to keep Proposition 1 off the November ballot, where it is expected to be passed by SeaTac voters eager for a boost to their local economy and jobs. Big airlines, rental car companies, the Washington Restaurant Association and other multinational and overseas corporations have already contributed close to $250,000 to overturn this citizen-led initiative, attempting to maintain a rigged system that benefits their own bottom line at the expense of hard-working SeaTac families.

Earlier this summer, King County Elections, the SeaTac City Clerk and the SeaTac Petition Review Board all agreed that SeaTac voters had turned in more than enough valid signatures to put the initiative on the November ballot.

The “SeaTac Good Jobs” initiative was signed by more than 2,500 petitioners in SeaTac earlier this year and in July the SeaTac City Council voted unanimously to send the citizens’ initiative to the November ballot.

SeaTac Proposition 1:

• Boosts SeaTac’s Economy: Other West Coast airport communities with similar laws setting livable wages are thriving with new businesses and more families buying local.
• Puts Our Health and Safety First: Paid sick leave for airport employees prevents the spread of diseases, keeping our families and community safe.
• Creates Full-Time Jobs: Incentives for airport-related businesses to employ full time workers creates jobs our neighbors can live on.
• Ensures Tip Fairness: Requires hotels and restaurants give tips and service charges to employees who perform the actual services.

PREVIOUSLY at The Stand — Alaska Airlines loses attempt to block SeaTac ‘Good Jobs’ vote (July 22)

Backers of SeaTac Good Jobs Initiative turn in petitions (June 6)