I wanted to respond to questions about my vote against placing a two-thirds vote threshold for tax changes in our state constitution.

During my time on the Issaquah City Council, I never once voted to increase property taxes. Last year, I was one of the few Democrats who broke from party leadership to support a Republican budget that reduced the business and occupations tax on the service industry. I have a long history of opposing tax increases at the state and local level.

However, I have been consistent in my opposition to Tim Eyman’s two-thirds requirement to raise taxes. I opposed it during my campaign and I opposed it on the floor of the senate this session.

I don’t pursue fiscally conservative policy because of an initiative, that’s just what I believe. I’m confident with my record of being a moderate, fiscally conservative Democrat. I know that the people of the 5th District are more than capable of keeping me accountable without Tim Eyman’s help.

Our district’s voters want legislators to work together, in a bipartisan and fiscally responsible way, to make Washington a better place to live and do business. I promise to continue acting on your behalf in that manner.

Sen. Mark Mullet

Issaquah