YAKIMA, Wash. -- Initiative maven and former Yakima resident Tim Eyman doesn’t want to compete with Primary Election day, so city and county government have agreed to switch his presentation on behalf of his latest initiative.

Eyman now will address both the Yakima City Council and county commissioners Sept. 1 on Initiative 1033, which goes before voters Nov. 3. If approved, it would limit growth of government revenues to the rate of inflation plus population growth.

In a widely broadcast e-mail to media outlets, lawmakers, Gov. Chris Gregoire and “Our thousands of supporters throughout the state,” Eyman thanked both local governments for agreeing to the scheduling change.

He said he was originally scheduled to make his pitch on Aug. 18, the day of the primary.

“I want to thank both respected bodies for their flexibility and willingness to listen and ask questions about I-1033 at these public forums — it’s a very positive free speech opportunity — I was very pleased that the Yakima City Council’s vote to provide this chance to speak was 6-1, which is nearly unanimous.”

His reference was to Mayor Dave Edler’s “no” vote to Eyman’s request. The two sparred publicly when Edler ordered Eyman away from the podium during a December 2007 appearance in which he criticized former councilmember Ron Bonlender.

County commissioners informed Eyman he needed to appear promptly for the 10 a.m. agenda session on Sept. 1. Public comment is allowed at the start of the commission’s weekly business meeting.

The Yakima City Council will meet that night at 7 p.m.
 
- David Lester

EDITOR'S NOTE -- This post has been updated to correct Eyman's quote. Our apologies!