Argument for Initiative Measure No. 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This measure, known as the District Power Bill, was initiated by more than 50,000 signatures of registered voters. Its purpose is to conserve the water and power resources of the state for the use of the people<\/strong>, by authorizing the establishment of public utility districts comprising a county or less in area. The method of formation of these districts is the same as for port districts, and the powers granted are the same as those now possessed by incorporated cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Washington has one-sixth of the nation’s water power. This great natural resource is the God-given heritage of the people. It belongs to no man or set of men. The economic profit which will flow from the development of this enormous water power and the distribution of electricity at low rates can hardly be overestimated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The history of rates for electric power in this state shows clearly that publicly owned plants are primarily responsible for the extremely low rates in our large northwest cities. The reasons are clear. In public plants there is no over-capitalization, no watered stock or even stock of any kind upon which dividends must be earned. They are constantly retiring their indebtedness, while private companies are continually adding to the capital upon which interest must be paid and dividends earned. When the public plants are paid for there remains only depreciation and costs of operation, making incredibly low rates possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This bill gives the people of rural districts the same right to develop and distribute electricity that city dwellers now enjoy. Unless a sound reason can be shown why they should not have a similar right, the bill should pass. It is a matter of simple justice and fairness. It is being opposed by the power trust, which now has the people of the country districts at its mercy, and always opposes every measure designed to lower rates.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not be misled.<\/strong> This bill if enacted will not create a single utility district; it will levy no taxes, issue no bonds, and create no debt. It is simply an enabling act. No district will be created without a vote of the people, and no general bonds issued without a three-fifths vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It does not follow that districts will be formed everywhere. The smaller districts will be formed only for distribution, and will buy current from other public or private producers. Enactment of this bill will make it unnecessary to create numerous districts. The mere filing of this measure has caused a reduction of rates practically all over the state, and its enactment will result in still further reductions, and the people will always have in their hands the remedy for extortionate rates.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If this bill is defeated private companies will continue to appropriate available sites, and this last remaining natural resource will pass into private hands for all time and be used for the exploitation of our people and industries. <\/strong>That is the issue, and the private companies know it, and a vast amount of money will be spent in an attempt to defeat it. <\/strong>The astounding revelations made by the Federal Trade Commission, showing how schools, colleges, newspapers and even the pulpit have been used for spreading misleading propaganda should be sufficient to put every voter on guard. Do not be deceived by so-called citizens’ committees and other organizations with fair-sounding names supported by the power trust. <\/strong>We say this because of its well known methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This measure is necessarily rather long, but the purpose is simple and clear. It is based upon existing legislation which has stood the test of the courts and is in practical operation. It will save our water resources for the people. <\/strong>It will give country districts the same access to our water resources that cities now have. It will insure reasonable rates, and gradually lower rates. Help yourselves and your children.<\/strong> Give the people of the rural districts a square deal. Vote for Initiative Measure No. 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Executive Committee, WASHINGTON STATE GRANGE<\/p>\n\n\n\n JAMES TAYLOR, President, Washington State Federation of Labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n STATE OF WASHINGTON\u2014SS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Filed in the office of Secretary of State September 14, 1929.<\/p>\n\n\n\n J. GRANT HINKLE, Secretary of State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/brucecampaign.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-05-31-at-6.34.03-PM-672x1024.png\")
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