King County Republican chairwoman calls defeat of transportation package a victory for good government

King County Republican Chairwoman Lori Sotelo calls the defeat of the County transportation package in last week’s election a step toward good government in the County.

Sotelo said Friday that the fight to hold King County Metro accountable is just getting started. She noted that County Executive Dow Constantine had responded to the election results by announcing plans to punish voters with cuts in bus service,

 She noted that Constantine had called cutting service the county’s only option,

But, Sotelo said, by rejecting Prop 1, voters had sent a message of reform.

“We want county government to stop throwing good money after bad” she said. “Yet, Constantine refuses to listen to us. He continues to ignore the need for accountability and focuses his energy on punishing voters. 

“Our county government must stop blaming the state Legislature for their failure to appropriately respond to King County’s transportation needs. County government must stop undermining negotiations for a statewide transportation package in the Legislature -- as Prop 1 threatened to do — and start working for real transportation solutions. 

"Voters want county government to address the unique needs of all areas of King County and work toward a 21st century transit system.“

Election results posted Monday showed the County roads-and-transit package losing by a 53.97 percent to 46.03 percent margin.

With ballot counted from 37.63 percent of registered King County voters through Monday, the final turnout is likely to reach the expected 38 percent by the time county officials certify results May 6. 

Most remaining ballots are from voters whose ballots were returned for signature correction. A few others may be from voters living, working, traveling, studying or serving in the military overseas,

Special Election, Tuesday, April 22, 2014

King County Transportation District

Ballots counted through Monday, April 28, at 4:01:58 p.m.: 442,062  = 37.63% of 1,174,773 Registered King County voters

Yes--  203,237 votes, 46.03%

No -- 238,280 votes, 53.97%