NO 2 V Oct. 18, ‘10
Vol. 26, # 5
MIDTERM ELECTION SPECIAL
10 • The AS Review Oct. 18, ‘10
Voting from page 4 To help students understand complicated initiatives, the REP office put on an event called “Booze, Taxes and Democracy” on Oct. 7. The event featured a panel of Western economics and political science professors, the deputy director of the League of Education Voters and the government affairs director for fiscal and tax policy for the Association of Washington Business. The panel discussed the pros and cons of various initiatives and then responded to audience questions.
“No one has an excuse to not register to vote.” -Remy Levin AS elections coordinator Morgan Holmgren, REP associate director, said that many students who attended were already informed about the issues, and came to hear more about them in depth. Holmgren said in order to inform those who are only casually interested in politics the REP distributed voter pledge cards, which are postcards that students address to themselves. They will then receive the postcards one week before ballots are due as a reminder to fill out them out and turn them in. Holmgren said volunteers have also been collecting student’s e-mail addresses and sending out information on candidates and initiatives from the secretary of state’s website. All of these efforts are to fight what Holmgren calls “voter apathy.” He said there is a common misconception that students are uninterested in politics, and that they don’t realize how political issues affect their daily lives. “People don’t vote because they don’t know enough about the elections,” he said. “They don’t know enough about the issues to make an informed decision, so they don’t make any decision at all.” Levin said that the REP office will continue to spread awareness about the November ballot initiatives, and encourage people to exercise their ability to take control of their government. “It’s hard work, but we’re doing our best,” Levin said. “No one has an excuse to not register to vote.”
Keeping the spotlight on what matters Fairhaven’s World Issues Forum speakers to focus on stories of Hurricane Katrina and Gulf oil spill aftermath Olena Rypich/ The AS Review
The Gulf Coast had not yet recovered from its biggest and most costly natural disaster when it was hit with the largest oil spill to date. The heartbreaking stories on the evening news linger for days, perhaps even weeks, before making way for something more current and more pressing for our attention. To put into World Issues Forum: perspective “Community and Resisevents that have tance from Katrina to long disappeared the Jena Six” from front-page WHEN: Noon-1:20 p.m. headlines but Wednesday, Oct. 20 remain key issues WHERE: Fairhaven in our nation, Auditorium Fairhaven College will be hosting “Community and Resistance from Katrina to the Jena Six” from noon-1:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 20 in the Fairhaven Auditorium. The event will feature Jordan Flaherty, a writer and community organizer based in New Orleans, and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, an Oakland-based queer Sri Lankan writer, performer, teacher and part-time professor at University of California, Berkeley. “Hurricane Katrina is an event that has not yet had closure and has had an effect on people both in that region and beyond,” said Shirley Osterhaus, Fairhaven College instructor and coordinator of the World Issues Forum. “When events like that happen in our country, they can be lost pretty quickly in our memory.” Literally out of sight, out of mind. “We have become a short-attention span culture, and much of the blame falls on our media,” Flaherty said through e-mail. “The U.S. media is in crisis, but not the crisis that is often identified. The problem is not the recent changes in technology, but the long-term shift from a prioritizing of truth to a prioritizing of profit. As all forms of journalists face massive layoffs, journalism’s role as a counterforce against the powerful is in jeopardy. For progressives
and radicals working in media, it’s important to not only question what format news will come in, but also how to approach our work so it is both accountable and sustainable.” Before Hurricane Katrina, Flaherty didn’t identify as a journalist, but quickly rose to the challenge. “I was living in New Orleans when the storm hit, and saw a city flooded, then saw how the people of New Orleans, especially African Americans, were treated on evacuating. I saw guns pointed at people, families separated as they were put on buses, without even being told where the bus was going to take them. Then, when I left the city, I saw how people from New Orleans were depicted in the media. They were called looters, thugs, criminals, armed gangs.” He said he wrote about what he saw as an attempt to dispel the media myths. This account was published and republished around the world and translated into several languages. Many New Orleans grassroots organizers and community members subsequently encouraged him to continue to make contributions. “They asked me to keep doing this,” he said. “So I didn’t intend to become a journalist. I was pressed into service.” Flaherty’s work as both an independent journalist and community organizer will make a story that probably has not been covered by corporate media. Flaherty will also try to give suggestions on what we can do now for those who are still recovering from these disasters. “In the Haiti earthquake, we saw the same patterns from Hurricane Katrina repeated,” he said. “[We saw] the privatization and militarization of relief, and the criminalization of survivors. Many of the same corporate interests, like Blackwater and Halliburton, keep coming up again. So we need to learn these lessons, or the same thing will keep happening,” The talk will explore supporting marginalized voices: people of various ethnic backgrounds,
Please see World Issues on back page
Oct. 18, ‘10 The AS Review • 11
The Lonely Forest with The Mission Orange Up-and-coming local indie band to headine Oct. 22 concert
Kirsten O’Brien/ The AS Review
The members of Anacortes-based indie rock eclectic approach to music, which includes certain band The Lonely Forest have probably been elements of folk, “indie rock” singer/songwriter anything but lonely lately. The band has been technique and companionship,” said Eisen-Meyers. causing a stir throughout the Northwest music “With the support of colleges, local radio stations scene, and its albums have garnered attention and venues and clubs across the country, I was from The Stranger, KEXP-FM and Bellingham’s hoping to utilize this show to lend a helping hand to own What’s Up! their passions and dreams.” Magazine. The The band released its band is currently first album, Regicide, in on a nationwide 2006, and has consistently tour, playing their released albums since. melodic indie pop Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris from coast to coast Walla produced the band’s and everywhere in newest album, The Lonely between. Forest EP, on his label The quartet is imprint, Trans. A recent making a stop in KEXP-FM review said Bellingham for a the album has “a surging, show in the Viking anthemic indie-rock sound Union Multipurpose and contains some of the Room on Oct. 22. band’s finest songs to date.” The show starts The single from the at 9:30 p.m. and album, titled “Turn Off This features Mt. VernonSong and Go Outside,” is based opening band a perfect representation of The Mission Orange. the band’s sound. Delicate Tickets are $5 for piano melodies combined students with ID with sweeping ballads or $7 for general and the occasional guitar admission. and drum solo create a Sam Eisen-Meyers, sound that is friendly and ASP Pop Music approachable. The lyrics are coordinator, said that honest and heartfelt, urging he hopes The Lonely the listener to “turn off this Forest’s show will be Design by Liz Leo/ AS Publicity Center song, you can listen to it an opportunity to later.” At first that may seem add variety and diversity to the types of acts that like a strange thing for a young band to suggest, but ASP Pop is bringing to Western this year. After this their sound is so infectious that you can’t help but year’s kick-off Macklemore show, Eisen-Meyers resist their orders. wanted to continue showcasing local artists who Perhaps the best thing about The Lonely Forest’s are making an impact on the national scene. sound is their honesty. Their song “Live There,” “The Lonely Forest show will give a totally which is available on the band’s MySpace, shows that different audience a chance to appreciate a different Please see Lonely Forest on back page
Liaison from page 9 I would like to meet with students who have stories about how they have been affected by budget cuts, so I may share your stories with legislators in Olympia. My goal is not to speak for you, but to empower each and every one of you to find your voice and use it to affect change. Start today! Voting in the upcoming November elections will ensure we are sending people to Olympia who recognize the necessity of knowledge and care about preserving opportunities for higher education. We registered almost 1,400 students to vote in September, far surpassing other state schools. But, Western has traditionally ranked unacceptably low in voter turnout. This year must be different. Let your voice ring out and vote! During winter quarter, I will be living in Olympia, lobbying our representatives with our legislative agenda. This will involve testifying to committees and meeting with legislators to discuss how cuts and tuition increases have affected the accessibility and quality of education at Western. I will be sending weekly reports to the AS Board of Directors and communicating to you though on-campus news sources. We will be arranging a Viking Lobby Day, which will be an opportunity for students to travel to Olympia and discuss the importance of their education with legislators. We need to unite as a coalition of mobilized, active and engaged student citizens in order to let our message be heard. Every student at Western has been in some way affected by budget cuts. If you are unsure or do not feel that the budget cuts have affected you, please, take a moment next time you are in class. Look to the person next to you. Think about the joy and privilege of education you receive by engaging in discussions with your fellow students each day. Now, imagine they were unable to attend school due to financial aid cuts. This is only one example of a myriad of ways that these cuts will be detrimental to Western if we do not stand up and advocate for our right to education. If you would like to know how you can get involved, or have a story to share, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you. Iris Maute-Gibson can be reached by phone at (360) 650-7349 or by e-mail at as.legislative.liaison@wwu. edu. Her office is located in Viking Union 527.
The Om(nom)nivore’s Dilemma Story & photo by Lindsay Kucera/ The AS Review
S
Sesame Chicken & Broccoli
eriously, who doesn’t enjoy take-out? (If you don’t, maybe you should just read through the rest of the paper again while I write about how much I love take-out.) I love eating out of paper boxes with chopsticks, but my wallet can’t honestly afford it, as much as I wish it could. So, this week I’m bringing in a homemade version, hopefully a little healthier as well as affordable and low maintenance. I love the sugary sauce in most Chinese take-out foods, but some days you want something savory that you don’t feel so guilty about afterwards. I usually make this dish with extra garlic and brown rice, but my mother (in all her innovation) also puts it on salads, which makes for a great lunch the next day. Cost: $17 Makes: 4 servings Ingredients: 2-3 chicken breasts 1 cup fresh broccoli 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup sesame seeds 3 cloves garlic 1/3 cup green onions *For extra spice, add a touch of Sriracha hot sauce!
World Issues from page 10
Lonely Forest from page 11
the poor and the homeless. While numerous organizations, even locally, make tremendous efforts to help minorities; social injustice is very much alive. “As much as we want to proclaim that we have liberty and justice for all, that might be the ideal, it’s not the reality,” said Osterhaus. Osterhaus hopes students gain an understanding of Hurricane Katrina as a natural as well as a human disaster and understand the critical value of independent journalism, which she said aims to heed the voices that mass media doesn’t always count. “Equal is what we really want,” she said, “But we want everybody to live with dignity and respect and human rights.”
no matter how big the little band from Anacortes gets, they’ll always stay true to their Northwest roots. The song begins with a melodic drum and bass intro, which is somewhat reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie’s song, “We Looked Like Giants.” The song steadily builds to the chorus, which reads like a letter to a lover from long ago. Except in this case, John Van Deusen, the band’s lead singer, isn’t talking about his high school sweetheart or current crush, he’s talking about the good old Pacific Northwest. “I just want to live here, love here and die here,” he proclaims. “Give to me miles of tall evergreens and the smell of the ocean and a cool mountain breeze, won’t you please.” The earnest and honest-to-goodness appreciation
College Budget Cooking
Special tools: Sharp knife, a broiler, a steam basket (optional) This recipe is so easy and only takes about 30 minutes. On a clean cutting board with a sharp knife, dice up broccoli into manageable chunks, and set aside. Rinse the chicken under cold water, and then cut into bite-size chunks and set aside. (Make sure you wash your hands when you’re through handling the chicken, getting salmonella poisoning would be a horrible way to start your week!) In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, black pepper, sesame seeds, garlic and about half the green onions, stirring to make a marinade. If you are feeding vegetarians as well as omnivores, put some of the marinade aside for the broccoli. Put the chicken and the sauce into a bowl and toss to coat. On a baking sheet, spread out a sheet of aluminum foil, folding up all the edges to make a tray. Spread out the chicken into the pan with the sauce. Move the oven rack to the top and then turn on the broiler to a high setting. Put the chicken in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping everything over with a spatula after 10 minutes. In a microwave-safe bowl or in a steamer basket, cook the broccoli with a bit of water until tender, drain and toss with the leftover marinade. Check to make sure the chicken is cooked through. Serve over rice or salad! This recipe was adapted over time from several different recipes and sources, so I can only say “Thank you, everyone!” because I can’t pinpoint what came from where. for all things Northwest would put a smile on any Seattleite’s face, and maybe make those who haven’t experienced what the Evergreen State has to offer a little envious. The Pacific Northwest may have a reputation as being overcast and over-caffeinated in general, but The Lonely Forest has created an anthem for all those who know that there is more to life here than rainy days and Starbucks lattes. Be sure to arrive early to catch The Mission Orange’s opening set. The Mt. Vernon-based duo creates thundering indie rock that compliments The Lonely Forest’s more melodic style. Together, both bands are an excellent showcase of talent in the Northwest music scene.
Board Brief
AS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING REPORT
Volume 26 Number 5 ▪ October 18, 2010
4
ARE STUDENTS GOING TO VOTE? Registration is just the first step.
5 ON THE BALLOT Multiple initiatives in this election could impact funding for higher education. 6-7 FALL: ENJOY IT While it’s still here. 8
FEDERAL ELECTION RUNDOWN Patty v. Dino, Rick v. John.
Online at asreview.as.wwu.edu: WANTING, WAITING & WISHING Albums to watch for this fall.
MORE FALL PHOTOS
Wednesday, Oct. 13- 6:06 p.m.
COLUMNS
NEWS / FEATURES 4
SHIRLEY FORSLOF Q & A Whatcom County auditor’s tips on filling out mail-in ballots.
9
SETTING OUR AGENDA Guest column from AS Legislative Liaison Iris Maute-Gibson.
12 OMMMM NOMMMMMM Sesame Chicken & Broccoli.
EVENTS 6 AS EVENTS CALENDAR Look to your right. 10 WORLD ISSUES FORUM The continuing effects of Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf oil spill. 11 THE LONELY FOREST ASP Pop Music concert.
Editor in Chief
Assistant Editor
Events Editor
Lead Photographer
Evan Marczynski
Lindsay Kucera
Olena Rypich
Daniel Berman
Staff Writers
Photographer
Adviser
Matt Crowley • Kirsten O’Brien • Chelsea Asplund
Joe Rudko
Jeff Bates
©2010 The AS Review is published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. Submissions: The AS Review welcomes all submissions. Submissions include news stories, literary pieces, photography, visual art and anything else physically printable. E-mail material to as.review@wwu.edu, drop it off in the Viking Union at VU 411 or mail it to the address below. Submissions will be returned if you include a stamped,W self-addressed envelope. Letters: The AS Review likes letters, too. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content (if necessary), so try to keep it to fewer than 350 words. Ads/Calendar: The AS Review does not sell advertising space. Sorry. E-mail the Events Editor at as.pr@wwu.edu to get your event in the calendar.
taoofjournalism.com wanewscouncil.org
The AS Review VU 411, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone 360.650.6126 • Fax 360.650.6507 • E-mail as.review@wwu.edu Online at http://asreview.as.wwu.edu/
Le vote est la chose sexy à faire le 2 Nov.!
Women’s Center Coordinator Lizzie Lamb and WC Assistant Coordinator Tanesha Tekola spoke to the board about their office’s plans to hold a number of gender-exclusive and gender-targeted events throughout the year. AS Productions Director Shalom Long and ASP Logistics and Volunteer Coordinator Aubrey Kitchen then gave a proposal asking for funding for both an ASP Street Team management website subscription and for incentives for Street Team volunteers. The board approved $3,843 in new funding for the AS Review to hire an additional staff writer. A motion to approve the job description for a Green Energy Fee Education Coordinator failed by one vote. There was confusion and disagreement over the coordinator’s responsibilities. A separate motion to hold off on the decision until the board could further discuss the position in a future work session passed 6-1. AS Vice President for Student Life Jamin Agosti voted no. The board then passed a number of motions involving charge and charter documents for student committees and councils. They approved a new charge and charter template, and then approved charge and charters for the Activities Council, Legislative Affairs Council, Alternative Transportation Committee and the Structure and Program Advisory Committee. They then heard information items on charge and charters for the Student Technology Fee Committee, Green Energy Fee Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, Ethnic Student Center Steering Committee and the ESC President’s Council. Following the business involving charge and charters, the board approved a resolution honoring the Western Vehicle Research Institute’s XPRIZE Team. The resolution read in part: “Therefore be it resolved, by the Board of Directors of the Associated Students that the Western Washington University Vehicle Research Institute XPRIZE Team is hereby honored for outstanding performance and service to the students of Western and the greater Western community. Be it also resolved, by the Board of Directors of the Associated Students that the entire Associated Students of Western Washington University community extends their gratitude and best wishes.” Appointments to 12 different student committees were also approved. The appointments are listed on the meeting agenda, available at gov.as.wwu.edu. Vice President for Governmental Affairs Byron Starkey reported that during recent voter drive efforts, Western registered more new voters than the University of Washington. Starkey said student officials at UW are now asking Western to help them improve their voter drive efforts. After discussing a personnel issue, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m. AS Board of Directors meetings are open to the public. They are usually held at 6 p.m. every Wednesday in VU 567. More information can be found online at gov.as.wwu.edu. The AS Review has a close relationship with the board. In the interest of transparency with our readers, we are making this clear.
EVENTS
Oct. 18, ‘10 The AS Review • 3
Oct. 18-24, 2010
MONDAY Oct. 18
WEDNESDAY Oct. 20
Disc Golf Evening 4 p.m., meet at the Outdoor Center $5
Essays: How Many and What Should They Say? 2 p.m., VU 567 Free
Monday nights, Oct. 18; Nov. 1, 15 & 29
What does it really take to get into law school? 4-6 p.m., AIC West 205 Free
ASP Films: “Goodfellas” 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., VU 552 $1
TUESDAY Oct. 19 What does it really take to get into law school? Noon-2 p.m., VU 567 Free
“Superbad” movie showing and discussion 6 p.m., AIC West 204 Free The AS Sexual Awareness Center and ASP Films will show the film “Superbad.” The movie will be followed by a discussion on how sexuality is portrayed in contemporary films, as well as if the film promotes or challenges certain stereotypes about sexual behaviors.
FRIDAY Oct. 22
Alpine Climbing at Washington Pass Friday Oct. 22- Sunday Oct. 24. Sign up by Wed., Oct 20. $200 Students, Faculty or Staff/ $250 Guests
Us on Roofs with Candysound 8 p.m., Underground Coffeehouse Free The Lonely Forest with The Mission Orange 9:30 p.m., VU Multipurpose Room $5 with WWU ID/$7 general
Loretta DeLoggio, a professional pre-law adviser from Seattle, will be coming to Western’s campus for a two-hour Q & A session with Western students. The event will focus on getting into law school and what students can do to increase their chances of admission. Students will be able to ask and get answers to their law school questions. Essays: How Many and What Should They Say? 4-6 p.m., VU 464 Free First part of a two-day seminar/workshop on topics that relate to law school. Focuses on the essays that you must write when you apply for law school. Students will have a chance to ask questions after the lecture. LGBTA Weekly Night Series 7 p.m., VU 462 Free
Design by Gilbert Van Citters / AS Publicity Center
Semiahmoo Bay for Sunset (couples) 5 p.m., meet at the Outdoor Center $20 students, faculty or staff/ $25 guests Goodbye Forest with Hafford and the Weathermen 8 p.m., Underground Coffeehouse Expert Panel on Congo 7 p.m., Communications Facility 120 Free
Congo Film Festival 7 p.m., Frasier 4 Free
THURSDAY Oct. 19
Underground Coffeehouse Open Mic 7-10 p.m., Underground Coffeehouse Free
Congo Week Benefit Concert 7 p.m., Fairhaven Auditorium Featuring WWU Hip-Hop Team, Barefoot Brothers, Dubble Penetration and special guests.
Design by Liz Leo / AS Publicity Center
SATURDAY Oct. 23 WWU FASA Heritage Dinner: “Pinagmulan: The Journey Home” 7 p.m. Multipurpose Room $10 with WWU ID or NWFASA membership $15 general
SUNDAY Oct. 24 ASP Films Horrorfest: “[REC]” 7 p.m., VU 552 $2
4 • The AS Review Oct. 18, ‘10
Q & A with Shirley Forslof Whatcom County auditor answers ballot-related questions Evan Marczynski/ The AS Review
You don’t need a booth to vote in Whatcom County. The AS Review e-mailed Whatcom County Auditor Shirley Forslof, who oversees the election process, to learn more about our mail-in ballot system and what mistakes are wise to avoid. The AS Review: Can someone still register to vote in the Nov. 2 election if they have not already? Shirley Forslof: Oct. 25 is the last day to register in person in the auditor’s office (downtown Bellingham, 311 Grand Ave.-Suite 103) and be eligible to vote in the Nov. 2 general election. The auditor’s office regular office hours are 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Review: What are the most common mistakes you see people make when filling out their ballots? Forslof: The most common mistake is not connecting the head and tail of the arrow that points to your choice with a single line. Instead some voters mark their choice with an X, check mark, a partially completed line or a very thick wide line. The instructions for voting are at the top of the ballot with instructions and examples for the correct procedure and how to correct a mistake. Washington State is a voter-intent state, and the secretary of state has established rules on voter intent. After the ballot is removed from the secrecy envelope, the ballot is inspected to determine if it will be counted by the ballotcounting equipment as the voter intended. If it is determined that the voted ballot will not be counted by the vote-counting equipment as the voter intended, a duplicate is made of the ballot in order for it to be counted as the voter intended. Any voterintent issues that do not follow the secretary of state rules are decided by the three-member Whatcom County canvassing board comprised of the county auditor, the county council chair or a designated
Please see Auditor on page 8
After registration drive, will Western vote? REP focuses on informing all voters while registering new ones
Kirsten O’Brien/ The AS Review
Republican or Democrat? To approve or not counties. Snead is from Pierce County, and said to approve an initiative? Wait, what exactly is a she votes for initiatives that promote positive referendum again? environmental change. These are the kind of questions and decisions Lucas Bourne, the AS student senate chair, said that Western students will make in the upcoming that he encourages all students at Western to vote, November elections. On the ballot are a number especially because many issues on the ballot will of important have a direct impact initiatives that on their lives this could have year. He said the major impacts best way to motivate on student life students to vote is at Western staff to show them why and volunteers it matters, and that at the AS voicing their opinions Representation is important. and Engagement Remy Levin, Programs office AS elections have been hard coordinator, said that at work getting the REP office and as many students Western Votes, an to register to organization made up vote in Whatcom of student volunteers, County as have been raising possible. The awareness about this Photo by Evan Marczynski/ The AS Review question is, when The AS Representation and Engagement Programs and year’s issues since it comes time to Western Votes registered almost 1,400 new student voters for the beginning of fall vote, will students the Nov. 2 election. quarter. Since then, be knowledgeable they have registered enough to make informed, competent decisions? just under 1,400 students . Levin said the REP set up Western sophomore Savanah Jordan is registered tables outside of Wilson Library to catch students to vote in Whatcom County as well as Pierce after they received their student IDs. Volunteers County. also went door to door around the dorms and set “I vote because if I don’t, I can’t really complain up booths at the Red Square Info Fair to encourage about who’s voted into office,” said Jordan. “I just freshman and transfer students to register. vote because I feel like it’s my civic duty.” “It’s a big task,” Levin said. “I can’t force anyone to Other students, like senior Tyler Hampton, vote register or to vote, all I can do is inform them.” simply because they can. Getting people to register to vote may be difficult, “I vote mainly because I’m of age, I can and I but getting people to make informed decisions want to,” he said. “My family is from Arizona, so when they do register is perhaps even harder. immigration laws and border patrol issues are “As far as voting goes, it does take effort,” Levin important to me.” said. “We need to explain to people that the benefits Still others, like junior Emily Snead, aren’t of voting are high, and that they should take the registered to vote in Whatcom County, but plan time to research the issues.” Please see Voting on page 10 to send in absentee ballots to vote in their home
Oct. 18, ‘10 The AS Review • 5
Multiple measures on Nov. ballot may affect education AS Elections Coordinator Remy Levin gives his take on what’s at stake Matt Crowley/ The AS Review
A number of initiatives on this year’s ballot look to not only affect Washington and its infrastructure as a whole, but could have far-reaching effects on education as well. The items in question, Initiatives 1098, 1100, 1105 and 1107, along with Referendum 52 are all very diverse. They deal with liquor, candy, state income taxes and building codes. In the end, they all look toward aiding the schools and universities that have been hit hardest by Washington’s economic downturn. I-1098, arguably one of the most divisive on the ballot, would establish an income tax, something that proponents have tried and failed to do as far back as the 1920s. The tax, however, would only affect those with an adjusted gross income over $200,000 for individuals, and over $400,000 for joint filers, such as married couples. Although the reach of the tax is limited, it could still mean a lot of much-needed revenue for the state. “The way the initiative is written, 70 percent of that money is supposed to go toward education,” said AS Elections Coordinator Remy Levin. “So besides helping the state stem its budget gap, it should also generate a bunch of money for education as well.” Help for education is not necessarily a guarantee, however. “Some people think the government will shift money spent on education to other things, and I think that’s a fair argument,” said Levin. “It’s debatable how much it will or will not happen.” Initiatives 1100 and 1105 both deal with liquor sales in Washington, and on paper appear very similar. According to the Washington secretary of state website, I-1100 would “close state liquor stores; authorize sale, distribution and importation of spirits by private parties; and repeal certain requirements that govern the business operations of beer and wine distributors and producers.” I-1105 uses similar language in constructing their measure, but are the two really the same? The topic was one of the subjects of an Oct. 7 panel discussion of ballot initiatives organized by the AS Representation and Engagement Programs.
“One of the most obvious conclusions of the Besides looking to do away with harmful ballot initiative panel is, if you’re going to vote for toxins like mold and asbestos that exist in schools privatizing liquor, vote for 1100, not 1105,” Levin across the state, R-52 “demands money-saving said. “1105 is a terrible initiative that was put on energy upgrades that reduce overall operating there by some liquor distributors. It just gives them costs, keeping money in classrooms, not a bunch of giveaways.” maintenance,” according to healthyschoolsforwa. Privatizing liquor in Washington would not only org. Proponents of the referendum hope that make it more available, but cheaper as well. In the will not only mean healthier, more inexpensive case of 1100, the privatization would mean “several schools, but more jobs as well. Estimates say over hundred million” less dollars for the state, and 30,000 jobs could be created to help clean up possibly education, according to Levin. classrooms and campuses from the peninsula to “The opponents of 1100 say, oh, we’re going to the Tri-Cities. lose $900 million in sales,” said Levin. “But the reality of the matter is, if prices go down… Initiative & Referendum rundown it means higher sales of liquor and the state is going to make more money from taxes. So it I-1098: Tax “adjusted gross income” above $200,000 won’t lose all of the $900 million.” (individuals) and $400,000 (joint filers), reduce state I-1107 is one of the most confusing of all property tax levies, reduce certain business and the ballot items, but will also likely have the occupation taxes and direct any increased revenues to least impact. I-1107 would essentially end education and health. sales taxes on soda, candy and bottled water, meaning less money for the state. I-1100: Close all state liqour stores; authorize sale, “The state is slated to generate about distribution and importation of spirits by private $100 million from those taxes,” said Levin. parties; and repeal certain requirements that govern According to Levin, proponents of the bill the business operations of beer and wine distributors want to see the taxes done away with because and producers. they don’t like taxes on food. “Basically the idea of 1107 is, the legislature I-1105: Close all state liqour stores and license private needed to raise taxes, it taxed soda, candy and parties to sell or distribute spirits. It would revise bottled water, and there’s anti-tax activists in laws concerning regulation, taxation and government the state that don’t think it’s a good idea,” he revenues from distribution and sale of spirits. said. But even if the fiscal impact for the state as I-1107: End sales tax on candy; end temporary sales a whole isn’t that great, the government could tax on some bottled water; end temporary excise taxes redirect funds from education to make up for on carbonated beverages; and reduce tax rates of the lost ground. But all of that, says Levin, is certain food processors. just “conjecture.” Last but not least is Referendum 52. To R-52: Authorize bonds to finance construction and clarify, referendums and initiatives work repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public in different ways. An initiative begins with schools and higher education buildings, and continue citizens, usually in the form of a petition the sales tax on bottled water otherwise expiring in which, after it gets a certain amount of 2013. signatures, makes its way to the ballot. The Source: secstate.wa.gov referendum, however, is brought to the ballot by state legislators.
6
Love it or leaf it... Fall is here!
Photo by Daniel Berman/The AS Review
F
all. It means change. It means back to school, back to sweatshirts, back to huddling beneath rain-soaked umbrellas.
Photo by Daniel Berman/The AS Review
Around campus, leaves are changing colors, the weather is becoming increasingly dour and the lines for coffee appear nearly endless. However, there is hope. Just admire the beauty of the season as captured by The AS Review staff photographers Daniel Berman and Joe Rudko. Sadly, they can’t change the weather.
Photo by Daniel Berman/The AS Review
Photo by Joe Rudko/The AS Review
Photo by Joe Rudko/The AS Review
7 Clockwise from right: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Foggy Bellingham Bay Fall Colors at SMATE A leaf makes a splash Walking north Campus Red Square fall colors
8 • The AS Review Oct. 18, ‘10
Auditor from page 4
representative and the deputy prosecuting attorney. Review: Does the entire ballot have to be filled out in order to be counted?
Senate and House candidates face off Democratic incumbents in close races with Republican challengers
Forslof: No, if you do not want to vote a particular office or ballot measure, you may leave it blank. Only those offices and ballot measures you voted for will be counted.
Lindsay Kucera/ The AS Review
Review: Has Whatcom County always done elections with mail-in ballots? Do you think mail-in ballots have any advantages over ballots cast in person?
The incumbent: Patty Murray (prefers Democratic Party) Born in Bothell, Wash., Patty Murray has served on the U.S. Senate since she was elected in 1992, becoming the first female senator to represent Washington. She currently sits as the Senate Majority Conference Secretary, the fourth-highest ranking in the Democratic Party.
Forslof: The first vote-by-mail countywide election in Whatcom County was the September 2005 primary election. Vote-bymail has many advantages. A higher turnout of voters in Whatcom County has resulted since elections were conducted by mail-in ballots. This is especially true in odd-year and off-year primary and general elections and in special district elections, such as school district elections. The voter has more time to research the candidates and the issues because the voter receives their ballot approximately 18 days prior to the election and has until Election Day to vote and return their ballot. I believe that the mail-in ballot provides an opportunity for a family to discuss the issues around the kitchen table with their children or other family members. Mail-in voting is more convenient for the voter. Instead of voting only on Election Day, the voter makes the choice of what day to vote and return their ballot provided that their ballot is postmarked by Election Day or deposited at a drop site no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. Review: Anything else? Forslof: Be sure that the ballot is enclosed in the secrecy envelope. (A few voters forget to enclose their ballot.) Be sure to sign and date the affidavit on the purple mailing envelope. The ballot can not be counted if the affidavit is not signed by the voter. Be sure to mail the ballot so that it has a postmark no later than Nov. 2 or deposit in a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Nov. 2.
Campaigning for U.S. Senate: Murray versus Rossi
individuals based on pre-existing conditions or due to illness. She wants to increase health care professionals in areas such as primary care. She serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, as well as the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Photo by Daniel Berman/ The AS Review
Rossi: Rossi wants to repeal the health care reform bills passed by Congress in March 2010, and reduce health insurance premiums for middle class families and senior citizens. He supports allowing people to purchase health insurance across state lines and advocates individuals and small businesses having access to the same discounts and tax deductions as corporations.
Rep. Rick Larsen spoke to students and answered questions in The Red Square on Oct. 8. Larsen is running for re-election against challenger: challenger John Koster. Dino Rossi The economic (prefers stimulus: Republican Party) Murray: Helped pass the Housing and Economic A native from Seattle, Wash., Dino Rossi worked Recovery Act of 2008 and advocated investing in in commercial real estate before serving on the state job creation programs. She supports grants for Senate from 1997-2003, when he decided to run for youth employment and legislation to teach financial governor. Rossi participated in both the 2004 and 2008 gubernatorial elections but was unsuccessful in skills in schools. Murray also supports funding to help avoid foreclosures in the housing market and ousting current governor Christine Gregoire. promotes “tax fairness.” Where they stand on: Health care: Murray: Sen. Murray wants to lower long-term health care costs, eliminate lifetime and annual caps, and stop health insurance companies from dropping
Rossi: Supports in-state economic growth and job creation and wants to reform taxes and eliminate “consumption tax” as well as tax loopholes that
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>> favor the upper economic classes. He advocates using unspent bailout money to reduce the national deficit, reducing overall government employment and exorbitant salaries and benefits. Energy: Murray: Supports reducing dependency on foreign oil and helped pass legislation to provide tax credits for renewable and alternative energy. She advocated regulating the Bonneville Power Administration (The BPA is a federal agency based in Portland, Ore., that provides electricity for the Pacific Northwest.) for stable energy prices and supports higher standards of fuel efficiency in motor vehicles. She also supports tax incentives for investments in clean energy projects and policies. Rossi: Promotes domestic energy production and reducing the need for foreign energy. Rossi promotes environmentally and fiscally responsible practices and opposes cap and trade policies. He wants to enhance safety policies for energy production on land or offshore, and advocated that polluters be held financially responsible for environmental damages.
Campaigning for the U.S. House of Representatives: Larsen versus Koster The incumbent: Rick Larsen (prefers Democratic Party) Born in Arlington, Wash., and residing in Lake Stevens, Rep. Rick Larsen has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001. Considered a moderate in the Democratic Party, he currently holds seats on the Committe on Armed Services, the Budget Committee, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The challenger: John Koster (prefers Republican Party) Also born and raised in Arlington, Wash., John Koster serves as operations committee chair on the Snohomish County Council and on the Snohomish Agricultural Advisory Committee. Koster also served three terms as a state representative in Olympia, and ran for Congress against Larsen in 2000.
Where they stand on: Health care: Larsen: Advocates publicly funded health care and health care provisions for families, veterans and Medicare. He voted in 2009 in support of health care reform.
Setting the AS legislative agenda
Koster: Discourages a public health care option and advocates free market policies with individual choice. Koster supports reforms of pre-existing condition standards, “portability” of health insurance policies and supports tax credits for premiums on health insurance.
Guest column by Iris Maute-Gibson/AS Legislative Liaison
The economic stimulus: Larsen: Consistently votes in favor of in-state labor laws and encourages the stimulation of the Washington job market. He also encourages support systems for small business and community banks, not just large corporate entities. Koster: Promotes the limiting of “big government” spending and opposes the economic bailout and stimulus package. Koster also opposes new or raised taxes. He supports the free market and free enterprise. Energy: Larsen: Supports investments in alternative and clean energy policies, as well as tax credits for clean energy. He advocates increasing the budget authority of the BPA in order to modernize Washington’s electrical grid and lower people’s energy bills. Koster: Supports investment in “green energy” policies, but also advocates further exploration of the energy policies currently in use on American soil, including oil drilling, hydroelectric, coal and nuclear power. Koster encourages implementing safety policies for energy exploration within the country, and advocates eliminating dependence on foreign energy. He opposes the cap and trade policies. All information gathered from the respective candidates’ campaign websites, and from the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate websites.
We have officially embarked onto one of the most crucial years in determining the future of higher education. To say this fall’s round of budget cuts has been tough would be an understatement. But, to say that it is the last we will see of such cuts would be a lie. Throughout recent years, students have been affected by significant tuition increases, while cuts to the budget have resulted in a decreased accessibility and education quality offered at our university. A third round of cuts in late September to Western’s budget reduced services by an additional $3.5 million, or 6.3 percent of the operating budget for 2010-2011 which funds part of financial aid, as well as academic departments, faculty and staff. In January, the Washington State legislative session will begin, faced with the daunting task of balancing a $520 million deficit. As the Associated Students Legislative Liaison, I represent the needs of students at the local, state and national level in all concerns of higher education. My goal is to foster civic engagement, cooperation and open communication as we work to set education at the forefront of public policy as the unwavering right of all citizens, regardless of income. Throughout fall quarter, I will be working closely with AS Vice President for Governmental Affairs Byron Starkey, the AS Representation and Engagement Programs office, the Washington Student Association and Western Votes to establish a unified front for the legislative session. I will be speaking to campus groups and classrooms, informing students about the current budget situation in Olympia and on campus. During this time, I will also be working with the Legislative Action Council, a student-facilitated committee, to create Western’s legislative agenda, which outlines our stance on issues concerning higher education. The most important thing I will be doing this fall is rallying students together around the issues which affect them.
Please see Liaison on page 11