Anti-ST3 group infuriated with having Tim Eyman representing their side

The group opposing a Sound Transit 3 ballot measure is not too happy about having Tim Eyman on its side.

The Sound Transit board voted to have Eyman help write the statement opposing ST3 for the fall voters’ pamphlet. ST3 is the $54-billion-measure that, if approved, would extend the light rail service’s reach.

Eyman is a conservative activist who advocates for smaller government. He’s known for his numerous tax-limiting initiatives; more recently he gained attention for being held in contempt for failing to turn over documents as part of an investigation into campaign finance practices.

Related: Judge orders Eyman to turn over documents in investigation

The leader of the People for Smarter Transit’s statement committee, Chuck Collins, told The Seattle Times the choice to use Eyman is “cynical” and is an “attempt to poison the issue.” He called Eyman “radioactive” in the Puget Sound area.

Eyman laughs off the upset over the latest controversy.

“I mean if you’re in Pierce County, if you’re in Snohomish County, if you’re anywhere outside of Seattle in King County … I mean, this is a completely Seattle-centric plan,” he said. “I don’t think voters really care who says those words, I think they just want to have somebody that’s willing to say the emperor has no clothes.”

If ST3 is enacted, a rider could potentially get from Dupont to Everett without the need for a car. The Sound Transit proposal would extend light rail’s reach, including cities east of Seattle such as Bellevue and Redmond, and to Seattle’s more westerly neighborhoods.

The Seattle Times reports that the board was required to choose three people to write opposition statement from the three counties Sound Transit operates in.

The People for Smarter Transit, believe the measure would waste taxpayer money. Former King County Council member Maggie Fimia told KIRO 7 it would take away support for transit service.

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