"Death and taxes may be inevitable but being taxed to death is not." "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!" These were the famous fighting words of Howard Jarvis, chairman of Proposition 13 that finally rolled back California's out-of-control property taxes in 1978 and has held them to reasonable levels. Now that Washington taxpayers desperately need similar tax relief, everyone could learn a lot by reading Jarvis' book ("I'm Mad as Hell") detailing his bitterly fought but successful campaign.

If California citizens and voters could do it, so can we! The only way left for Washington's overtaxed citizens to control government taxing and spending is to legally change the existing law by our Constitutional Initiative process. Concerned taxpayers must get off their butts, get and sign the initiatives and gather signatures from families, friends, neighbors and people wherever they congregate who are ready, willing and able to help put these initiatives on the Nov. 3, 1999 ballot to be voted into law.

Initiative 697 will reduce all passenger vehicle license tabs to a flat fee of $35 per year regardless of the vehicle's age or value. Initiative 698 will reduce property taxes and prevent people from being taxed out of their homes and property. These initiatives are sponsored by the League of Washington Taxpayers, 15127 NE 24th St., Suite 380, Redmond, WA 98052. June is the last month to get enough signatures to put I-697 and I-698 on the November ballot. For information and more initiatives, please call 425-746-2983. Be sure to mail or deliver all signed Initiatives no later than June 27.

-FRED BUCKE, Initiative Volunteer

Maple Leaf