Even in Seattle, voters say no to taxes

Perhaps it was the struggling economy. Perhaps it was the thought of paying triple figures for vehicle registration. But Seattle voters did something on Tuesday they don't often do: They said no to a tax increase.

As many states and cities face budget deficits tied to the Great Recession, lawmakers and voters have been reluctant to raise taxes, or to even bring up the issue. Not Seattle, which has approved $1.3 billion in tax increases since 2000 to fund parks, low income housing and to renovate the city's iconic Pike Place Market.

But a $60 car tab fee on the ballot Tuesday proved to be too much, with 60 percent of the voters rejecting it. The proposal's defeat was a major blow to Mayor Mike McGinn and the City Council.