CAPR's blog

9/8/26 by Cindy Alia

School has begun, fall is showing signs of its approach and we are all ready to focus and prepare for the upcoming November Elections.

At CAPR we have watched events closely and recognize the most important votes we must be sure to cast are those for the Washington Supreme Court. 

With an unprecedented chance for a majority turn over for the position of Supreme Court Justices, we have an opportunity to make a huge difference in how we are governed. 

Reprinted from Nancy Churchill, Dangerous Rhetoric.  Consider subscribing to this substack for excellent analysis and writing!

On behalf of CAPR, our hearts break for the communities and families facing the devastating impacts of the ongoing wildlife and environmental destruction.  We are concerned about our members, supporters, and friends impacted by the danger and loss caused by the fires.  We are in touch with as many as can be reached in this chaotic environment.  We know many are evacuated from their homes, and sorrowful for some who have lost their homes, everything.  We are grateful this has not led to the loss of life.  

By Cindy Alia 7/10/26

1. Citizen Voting: Why Voting Requires Citizenship

Voting in federal (and most state) elections is reserved for citizens because citizenship represents formal membership in the political community. It is not an arbitrary restriction but a structural necessity tied to the republic’s logic.  All citizens should vote in their self interest, it is how we protect our properties, our liberties, and our ability to work and earn a living along with our need for self governance.

Hello CAPR King Members and Friends!

Meet at the Four Horsemen Thursday June 25th for our regular monthly meeting.  This month the topic for discussion is our constitution.

What are the problems we face in keeping our constitution relevent and meaningful as a guide for citizens and legislators?

As always, great conversation, great friends, and great food!

See you there!

Your CAPR King Chapter 

May 22, 2026

The CAPR Annual Banquet was held May 9th, 2026 at the Doubletree Suites Tukwilla.

The Keynote Speaker for the banquet was Brandi Kruse!  Witty, outspoken, passionate, Brandi is a shining example of an investigative journalist who makes a difference in Washington state! 

Brandi's blend of elegance, sharp wit, and a fun spirit enhanced our event making it fun, and well appreciated by guests.  Thank you Brandi for inspiring a great, successful evening event for CAPR!

December 4, 2025

By Dominique Scarimbolo, CAPR King County President

King County’s Outside Counsel Monopoly: How Taxpayer Dollars Are Used to Block Taxpayers

Through extensive public-records requests, CAPR has uncovered a deeply troubling pattern inside King County government: the County has spent over $56 million on outside legal counsel since the year 2000—despite already employing hundreds of attorneys in-house.

The records we obtained show 20,334 payments to 1,607 different payees, with a staggering $43.6 million (about 78%) of all spending going to 629 private law firms. These are not small solo practices—many are major institutional firms with the staff, resources, and litigation power normally needed to stand up to government agencies.

By Cindy Alia 2/13/26

Washington state is confronting a deepening electricity affordability crisis as rapidly growing demand clashes with clean energy transitions, grid constraints, and escalating utility rates. The Pacific Northwest has long enjoyed relatively low electricity prices due to abundant hydropower, but that advantage is fading fast.

Recent reports highlight heightened risks of brownouts or rolling blackouts in extreme conditions, while policies like the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) drive both necessary changes and added costs. For many residents—especially those already stretched by high housing, groceries, and living expenses—these pressures feel immediate and burdensome, often outweighing the longer-term "green rewards" of emissions reductions or future efficiency savings.

By Dominique Scarimbolo, CAPR King Chapter President, 2/16/26

Bottom Line:
SSB 6162 is not a bad bill — but it is not meaningful property tax reform. It expands an existing relief program for a narrow group and rebrands part of the tax system, without fixing the underlying problems driving Washington’s property tax crisis.

By Cindy Alia 4/24/26

In the final weeks of the 2025–26 legislative session, Washington lawmakers quietly passed four bills that dramatically expand the power of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). Signed in late March 2026 and set to take effect June 11, 2026, these measures—SB 5925, HB 1710, HB 1750, and HB 2156—were largely requested by the AGO itself. While framed as modern enforcement tools, their combined effect raises serious concerns about government overreach, chilled freedoms, and the erosion of constitutional protections that belong to all citizens.

The New Powers