VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6464-S

                   March 29, 2002

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 7 and 18, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6464 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to city transportation authority;"

     This bill will allow the voters of Seattle to decide if they want to impose taxes to pay for a monorail system.

     Section 7 of the bill contained a drafting error that would have inadvertently required two public votes, rather than one.  Because sections 2, 9, 10, and 11 all ensure a public vote, vetoing this section will not affect the requirement of voter approval.  This section also included language requiring a plan and public hearings; however, section 3 and other parts of the bill provide sufficient opportunities for the city council to ensure an open, public process and careful consideration of any monorail plan.

     Section 18 would have rendered the entire bill null and void if a "regional transportation act does not become law by December 31, 2002."  On March 21, 2002, I signed into law a regional transportation act, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6140, making section 18 moot.  Vetoing the moot section will help reduce confusion.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 7 and 18 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6464.

     With the exception of sections 7 and 18, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6464 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor