WA Cares Tax Faces Scrutiny Over Benefits + Income Tax Fight Takes New Turn With Defamation Lawsuit

A legal battle is underway in Pierce County over a proposed charter amendment that would make the county sheriff an appointed rather than elected position. Sheriff Keith Swank opposes the proposal, while former Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag and other plaintiffs are suing in an effort to keep the amendment off the November ballot. Swank is also speaking out about an encounter with Seattle interim Police Chief Andre Sales at a recent law enforcement graduation ceremony. Swank says he interpreted Sales' comments as a challenge to fight, while the Seattle Police Department disputes Swank's recollection of the conversation. Meanwhile, Washington's WA Cares long-term care program is facing renewed scrutiny. Washington Policy Center's Elizabeth New is raising questions about the example used during Gov. Bob Ferguson's June launch event, while SEIU 775 says the criticism is based on a "made up issue" and that the caregiver featured was illustrating the type of care WA Cares can provide. Finally, the legal fight surrounding Initiative 645 and its public investment impact disclosure takes another turn. Government transparency advocate Arthur West is now suing the Washington State Republican Party and GOP Chairman Jim Walsh for defamation as the broader battle over the income tax repeal initiative continues. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for the latest on Washington politics, public safety, taxes, government accountability and the November election. #Washington #WAPolitics #PierceCounty #KeithSwank #Seattle #WACares #BobFerguson #IncomeTax #WashingtonPolitics #Election2026 #PublicSafety #GovernmentAccountability #TheCenterSquare