Today, Publicola reported that the City will release its revenue forecast after the election, and that it will be “awful.”  Declining revenues will make it increasingly difficult to maintain basic services, ensure public safety and provide services to those in need.

“Given Seattle’s spiraling budget crisis, Greg Nickels and Joe Mallahan need to come clean with the public about how they intend to raise $930 million dollars from Seattle residents to pay for the Viaduct Tunnel that they both support,” said Michael McGinn.  ”Specifically, what taxes or fees will they increase, who will they impose them on, and how long will the taxes last?”

“There’s a little over a week left in this election and Seattle voters deserve to know the truth about their plans,” McGinn said.

Michael McGinn opposes the deep bore tunnel mega-project to replace the viaduct because it is too expensive and is the wrong priority for Seattle.  The $930 million commitment from Mayor Greg Nickels would be the largest single tax increase in Seattle history.  It is approximately equal to every special property tax levy that Seattle  residents are currently paying.

“With the tough budget choices this city faces, I don’t think we can afford to give Nickels and Mallahan a blank check for boondoggles.  The public deserves answers to these basic questions before making their choice for Mayor,” said McGinn.