JUST say no to I-747 on November 6. And tell your friends and relatives that they, too, should do the same to help ensure the measure does not pass.

That’s the message from Council 2 on the eve of the I-747 election.

You owe it to yourself to do all you can to fight the measure. Your job, your income and your future will be more affected than those of anyone else should the measure be approved.

Here's why: The initiative would impose a 1 percent cap on increases in property taxes, less than half of the inflation rate. Any increases would require special ballots for approval.

"Members need to understand that the 1 percent cap means that anything between the rate of inflation and 1 percent is a cut," says Chris Dugovich, President and Executive Director of Council 2. Dugovich serves as co-chair of the "No on I-747" campaign statewide.

"Inflation is running at 3 percent to 4 percent," he adds. "Counties and cities therefore need that much just to keep pace. In order to avoid the cap you have to have an election — and elections are expensive. For example, it would cost $600,000 to hold an election in Snohomish County."

Dugovich adds that, if approved, the measure, along with the current economic downturn, could threaten members’ jobs after the first of next year.

"In addition, it makes it that much more difficult for us to negotiate to ensure our pay keeps pace with inflation," adds Pat Thompson, Director of Legislation/Political Action for Council 2.

Because the issues are so critical for members, the campaign opposing Initiative 747 is the biggest and the most sophisticated political action ever undertaken by Council 2.

The union has used polling, focus groups, writing letters to the editors of local newspapers, interviews with the media, flyers, doorbelling as well as radio and television advertising to drive home the impact of the measure, not only on its members, but also on basic services provided by cities and counties across the state.

The union also needs members to assist in the “Vote no” campaign.

"We are looking for help in doorbelling, leafleting, telephone banking, and putting up yard signs," Thompson says.

Members should call their Staff Representative or local union officer to find out how they can help, he adds.

Dugovich says he wishes to thank the Locals for their generous support to date by helping the campaign financially.

"The responses have been very positive," he adds.

Council 2 has received help from other unions, organizations and business interests. "But make no mistake about it, it will be up to this union and its members to defeat I-747," Dugovich says.