Court is independent of voters

In “Voters Still Reluctant to Raise Taxes,” [editorials, Opinion, Nov. 8], The Seattle Times editorial board suggests that the Washington State Supreme Court should base its opinion on the fact that Tim Eyman's Initiative 1185 passed with more than 60 percent of voters approving.

Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I have always thought that courts should base their opinions on the law — and in this case a very special set of laws, the Washington State Constitution. Frankly, I'm surprised The Seattle Times editorial board doesn’t agree with that point of view.

If the Court rules unconstitutional the earlier Eyman initiative that requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for tax increases, then the solution is very simple — amend the constitution. I feel that courts should not be swayed by the political wind du jour.

— Kalman Brauner, Seattle