The following is a recap of The Mirror’s endorsements for the Nov. 3 election. The endorsements were made by the newspaper’s editorial board.
• Federal Way City Council: Roger Freeman, Linda Kochmar and Jeanne Burbidge
• Federal Way School Board: Angela Griffin and Ed Barney
• Federal Way Municipal Court judge: Rebecca Robertson and David Larson
• South King Fire and Rescue commissioner: J. Roger Hershey
• Lakehaven Utility District commissioner: Len Englund
• King County Executive: None of the above
• Proposition 1: This would change Federal Way’s form of government to one that transfers the administrative responsibilities of a city manager to an elected mayor. When this issue appeared on the 2008 ballot, The Mirror endorsed the current council-manager form of government because there wasn’t a compelling reason to change. The issue has become much more politicized and emotional this time around. The Mirror felt it would be more worthwhile to give you, as the residents, all of the points so that you can decide what is best for this city.
• Initiative 1033: The Mirror recommends voting no on I-1033, another attempt by initiative junkie Tim Eyman to add unnecessary fine print to Washington state’s government. The initiative is expected to increase Federal Way’s projected $15 million general fund deficit in 2015 to $17.3 million. It will also limit Federal Way’s ability to respond to emergencies, emerging issues and opportunities.
• Referendum 71: The Mirror recommends approving Referendum 71 to expand domestic partnership rights to gay and lesbian families as well as senior domestic partners. Throughout history, any attempts to expand the rights of marginalized people have been met with resistance. Examples include women’s suffrage and the desegregation of schools. This legislation helps maximize personal freedom and independence for a small slice of the population.