PORT ANGELES –– Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman of Port Angeles proposed a state income tax for high-income households and changes in the state business and occupation tax during a debate between two of the three candidates seeking a 24th District seat in the state House of Representatives.
Opponent George Vrable of Port Ludlow, a Republican, agreed with Chapman, who filed as a Democrat, about the business and occupation tax, known as a B&O tax, and opposed any state income tax during a Port Angeles Business Association forum attended by about 50 people Tuesday.
It was the first time the candidates for the Position 1 seat representing the 24th Legislative District have debated since they filed for office. Ballots for the Aug. 2 primary will be mailed July 15.
In the state’s top-two primary, the top two vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 8 general election regardless of party affiliation.
A third candidate, Tammy Ramsay of Hoquiam, who filed as a Democrat for the Position 1 seat, did not attend the forum and could not be reached by phone or email Tuesday.
The 24th District covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
Chapman called for an income tax for single people who make more than $200,000 annually and families earning more than $400,000 annually.
He also called for sales tax relief for low-income people.
“You cannot convince me that it’s fair a small-business owner making $50,000 to $60,000 a year is taxed and a Microsoft millionaire isn’t,” Chapman said. “How does that benefit the 24th [District]?”
Vrable, a retired firefighter, doesn’t support any personal income tax in Washington state, he said.
“I don’t trust giving the Democrats an income tax,” he said. “Once something like that is established, it’s hard to bring back.”
Washington state Treasurer Jim McIntire in April proposed a 5 percent personal income tax to pay for education.
Vrable agreed on Chapman’s proposal for B&O tax reform.
The tax is currently applied to a business’ gross income, which is unfair to small businesses, Chapman said.
Chapman said the B&O tax should only apply to a business’ net profit, calling the current B&O tax an “income tax” on small-business owners.
“I want to see B&O tax reform. I want to see real tax relief for small-business owners, sole proprietors,” Chapman said.
“I want to quit this argument that we don’t have an income tax in this state. We sure as hell do.”
Vrable agreed with Chapman’s proposal to change the B&O tax.
“It seems obvious to me that it is unfair,” Vrable said. “I have to agree with Mike.”
Chapman paired the B&O proposal with his proposal for a state income tax.
Vrable reiterated that the state should not have a personal income tax.
When asked how the money raised from the B&O tax should be spent,
Vrable said the state should spend as few of the funds raised through the tax as possible.
An audience member pushed Chapman to promise to propose legislation for his tax plan if elected.
Chapman said he would work with both sides of the aisle for a bipartisan solution and did not commit to proposing the legislation himself.
Women voters league
Both Vrable and Ramsay were criticized by Chapman for not participating in two League of Women Voters forums that had been canceled for lack of participation.
“I hope that George will reconsider and participate in those League of Women Voters forums in both Clallam County and Jefferson County, because how
will you make a choice in who you vote for if you don’t hear us?” Chapman said.
Vrable didn’t commit to participating in the League of Women Voters forums.
“As far as the League of Women Voters, I wouldn’t mind going to speak to the League of Women Voters if they were not — I feel — hostile and a very left-wing organization,” Vrable said.
Chapman said it is the responsibility of people holding public office to attend events, such as public forums, when invited.
“I’ve spoken with a lot of groups that weren’t real friendly to my positions, but I have never once in 16 years of public office — never once — not shown up when invited,” Chapman said.
“I’ve missed baseball games for my kids for these debates. I’ve missed family gatherings.
“You just don’t do that in public service.”
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
