“Sound Transit” recently passed hefty tax increases to fund the expansion of the local light rail system.

The boundaries of the taxing district are conveniently drawn to pull in as much tax area as possible (sales tax, vehicle registration tax, property tax), without getting TOO many suburban voters, who are less likely to vote for these projects than Seattle residents. That allows the tax happy residents of Seattle to pass tax increase after increase on the suburban voters to pay for Seattle’s choo-choo-train.

Generally the further away from Seattle, the less yes votes were received, for the rational reason that taxes will be paid for years and years before service will reach that far. Pierce County rejected the measure soundly, yet is dragged in by the sheer weight of Seattle’s yes vote.

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/planned-light-rail-areas-big-backers-of-sound-transit-3/

Walter, the second link in your comment just points back to this post on Overlawyered.