To the editor:

Earlier this year during the healthcare reform debate, there was a chorus of people saying “read the bill,” suggesting that our legislators don’t read the legislation they vote on.

With the general election right around the corner, voters have the same chance to “read the bill” before they vote, because there are six initiatives, one referendum, and two constitutional amendments on the ballot. Voters should by now have their voters’ pamphlet, and can “read the bills,” all 40 pages of dense text.

If a majority of voters vote “YES” on any of these ballot measures, they will be making law for the state of Washington, so your vote should not be cast without serious study of the issue, the actual law, and its consequences.

Most of these initiatives were written by and for very narrow special interests who see their chance to buy favorable legislation from an unhappy electorate. They are counting on you not “reading the bill” and really understanding the consequences for our state. Don’t be fooled.

Read the bill or vote NO on all of them (although I recommend a YES on I-1098, R-52, Transportation Prop. 1, Bellingham School District Prop. 1).

Jay Brand

Oak Harbor