Damn.

For a sec I thought she heard the Tacoma vote to legalize MJ and decided to let WSLCB stores become MJ shops instead.

What a wuss she is.

What's she supposed to do? Without 2/3 of the legislature, which doesn't exist, there's nothing to be done for two years. By that time, we'll have a BevMo on Broadway, one on the Ave, and hey! There's that nice open retail space where Borders used to be in Westlake. Make for a killer Alcohol Supermarket for people looking for really unique purchases, and it's right on top of basically every transportation system we have.

I can't help but feel that all her posturing and slashing is aimed at the presidency. I really think she wants the top job. And you know what? She could do it.

@3 Oh, hell no. Put down the pipe, dude.

@4 is correct.

She's looking at work for a back east law firm wanting exposure to Asian markets, with a few overpaid bonus trips to EU capitals and Dubai, not grunt work like being President.

Seriously, why put up with the Santorum that gets thrown at you at the WH from the monkeys in the beltway and their trained lobbyists?

Goldy, the last sentence of your post ought to be engraved on a plaque and permanently installed in a prominent place in Olympia.

Monorail votes, anyone? I seem to recall voting three times on that one - did we say we wanted it? three times? yes, yes we did - and somehow, we still have only a Toy Town Trolley instead of a real monorail system that could have put us at the forefront of urban transit in this country. Because ROADS!

And then the stadium votes.. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't The Voters say - twice! - that we didn't want them built? But of course there they are, because.... MONEY!

Sigh.

You seem to imply that to "just implement it" would mean to raise taxes to fund it, but since the initiative does not itself specify any taxes, that would hardly be "just" implementing it. Just implementing it would mean hanging out a sign that says "Wanted: personel to do training, certification, and criminal background checks for tens of thousands of workers. Must be qualified, experienced, and willing to work for free." Or perhaps we could just take funding from one of Goldy's favorite non-initiative-specified government functions (basic health maybe?) to fund its implementation.

@4 "Put down the pipe, dude!"
NEVER!

@6: Yes, like me. But then, I've never claimed to respect the will of the people, and have always railed against initiatives as a stupid way to legislate.

" (so far, about $32 a vote)" PLUS $11M+ spent by the anti's ≈ $50 per voter.

@7 And then the stadium votes.. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't The Voters say - twice! - that we didn't want them built?

Mariners stadium was voted down once, but Olympia pushed forward with a new stadium after they won the penant and were once again in jeapordy of being moved to another city. A new group bought the mariners, didnt pay any money into the construction. They promised to pay for the cost overruns, but eventually welched on that deal and were indeed sued by the state and had to pay close to 140 million.

Seahawks stadium was only voted on once and it won by a .5% margin. Paul Allen contributed 100 million towards the cost, paid for the special election and covered any cost overruns (which was small). The Seahawks stadium was a far better deal for the city, but only because the Sounders FC play there (keeping bars busy).

just train the newly unemployed liquor store workforce.

problem. solved.

@10 Goldy knows a non-stupid way to legislate! Powerful entrenched unions buying powerful entrenched Dems in Olympia and using our money to lobby for higher taxes ad infinitum.

Will of the people?? 1163 is something that anyone would support IN CONCEPT. Who doesn't want safe care for seniors - thats like being anti-puppy. But Gregoire's point is totally valid. Why add a new level of unfunded work? I seriously doubt funding entered into all YES voters' thought processes; I've yet to see evidence anyone knows what anything costs. But the main point, and maybe someone could clear this up? Is lack of background checks currently a huge problem? Do we anticipate funding this program producing results that make it worth it?? This is what the issue should have revolved around, and this is the point the governor is making.