A few concerns have been raised by a small group of fairly well informed and I think well-intentioned individuals. I would like to address these concerns.
Concern #1: The proposed Charter was written by a group of overly conservative Republicans.
Reality: 12 of the 21 elected Freeholders were recommended/endorsed by the Democrats (source The Kitsap Democrat ***Special Election Edition*** Oct-Nov 2000).
Concern #2: The Charter will cost taxpayers more.
Reality: Property Taxes and Sales Taxes will not increase as a result of the Charter. Those who we elect to represent us on the County Council and as the County Executive will be required to prioritize spending and find efficiencies under the same revenue and spending limitations in place today. The fact that there will be an additional two council members and possibly a few associated additional staff persons must be balanced against the fact that the recently adopted county budget authorized 15 new (non-jail) full-time equivalent county positions. By separating the legislative and executive functions our new government will find it far easier to say no, set priorities, and find cost savings.
Concern #3: By district elections and representation is a radical change.
Reality: Our neighboring counties (Pierce, King, Snohomish, & Whatcom) to the east adopted a County Charter many years ago. They have been electing their council members by districts ever since. The freeholders similarly decided that there is an upper limit to the number of constituents a legislator can reasonably be expected to campaign in front of and adequately represent. Even with the more generalized state legislative issues an upper limit of 110,000 constituents has been established for the house and senate in Olympia. The currently planned five districts with 46,000 constituents seems like an optimum size to me. Those who use the Bremerton example of 9 districts with 4000 constituents apiece need to find some better reason to oppose the charter.
Concern #4: Odd-year elections will cost taxpayers more.
Reality: The fact is an odd-year general election and almost always a primary election is currently held throughout the county to elect city councils & mayors, fire and port district commissioners, and school district board members. Adding county positions to the general election and when necessary to a primary election in the odd-years should not make any overall difference in election cost. A few ballot lines will be added and a couple voter guide pages will be needed in the odd years, which would otherwise have been needed in the even years. Because the county general fund would now pay a small portion of the election costs in odd years, a minimal commensurate savings to the schools, cities, ports and fire districts would result.
Concern #5: Initiatives and referendums will disrupt and frustrate the county council.
Reality: Obtaining a sufficient number of signatures to put statewide issues on the ballot has been relatively easy. The ease of signature gathering has been a function of the very generalized nature of these statewide initiatives. It is fairly easy to obtain signatures to: “lower the property tax”, “reduce the motor vehicle excise tax”, “prevent lethal trapping of animals”, “reduce smoking of cigarettes”, etc. Our county has significantly less jurisdiction than the state. Since any legal and meaningful county initiative or referendum will out of necessity have to be very narrowly and specifically defined it will not be easy meeting the necessary signature threshold. Only the very credible initiatives and referendums will make the cut.
Concern #6: $52,000 a year is not enough to attract quality council candidates.
Reality: The new job of council member is far different from the old commissioner job. Members of the council will no longer run the non-elected county departments. This responsibility shifts to an elected County Executive. We should look to other legislative only bodies such as City Councils, the State Senate & House, and even private sector boards of directors in determining appropriate compensation levels. I am convinced $52,000 will attract the requisite talent; but if not, the charter allows for a citizen compensation committee to easily make any necessary changes.

The proposed Charter is a very flexible document. It allows for periodic review and an amendment process to effect change in any needed areas. Kitsap County is ready for its own constitution and deserves the right to determine its own governmental fate now and for the foreseeable future. I urge everyone to vote “yes” for the Charter.

Jim Avery
Freeholder (retired*), District 2

* Freeholders are officially disbanded