Episode 97 of Podyallup is for Friday, October 16, 2026. This week, I venture into the South Hill Walmart, complain about road construction and numbered streets, discuss Washington's proposed millionaire income tax and the ballot initiative to repeal it, and catch up on local high school football.

The dystopian South Hill Walmart

A simple errand takes me to the South Hill Walmart, a store I've managed to avoid for most of the twelve years I've lived in Puyallup.

Walmart is a remarkable example of modern logistics. An enormous assortment of products from around the world arrives in one building, often at surprisingly low prices.

But the shopping experience is another matter. From the enormous aisles and long checkout lines to the cameras displaying your face on a monitor, the whole experience feels a little dystopian.

The self-checkout experience is especially strange. I came in to purchase three items, not audition for a surveillance documentary.

Road construction and numbered streets

October brings another round of road construction around Puyallup and South Hill, including a nearby road closure expected to last about a month.

Construction is inconvenient enough, but it also brings me back to another complaint: Puyallup's numbered streets.

I understand the logic of a numbered grid, but street names are easier for me to remember. They also give neighborhoods more personality and preserve a little local history.

Washington's millionaire income tax

A recent Seattle Times column by Danny Westneat leads into a discussion about Washington's new 9.9% income tax on annual individual income exceeding $1 million.

The tax is intended to raise additional state revenue, with supporters arguing that higher-income residents should contribute more toward public services.

I don't have a particular objection to people earning more than a million dollars paying additional taxes. My concern is whether the income threshold will eventually be lowered, expanding the tax to a much larger portion of Washington residents.

There's also a broader question about Washington's tax structure. Would a new income tax replace or substantially reduce existing sales and property taxes, or simply become another source of revenue alongside them?

Initiative 645 and the November election

The November 3 election includes Initiative 645, which seeks to repeal the millionaire income tax and prohibit certain taxes measured by individual income.

I discuss the ballot language, particularly its statement that repealing the tax would decrease funding for education and human services.

Because collections from the new tax have not yet begun, I question how that potential revenue is being presented to voters and whether the language accurately describes the consequences of repeal.

I also make a prediction: the initiative may pass, only to face a legal challenge over whether it violates Washington's single-subject rule for initiatives.

That's a prediction, not a certainty. Whatever your position, the important thing is to understand what you're voting on rather than simply following a political party or campaign.

Different perspectives on state taxes

The discussion continues with reactions from Seattle Times readers, including arguments about progressive income taxes, regressive sales taxes, government spending, and Washington's competitiveness with neighboring states.

Oregon and Idaho both have income taxes, but their approaches differ from Washington's. The question is not simply whether an income tax is good or bad, but what kind of overall tax system Washington residents actually want.

South Puget Sound League football

Puyallup High School continues its undefeated football season after defeating South Kitsap 69-7.

Puyallup and Sumner are both 3-0 in league play, setting up a major matchup between the two teams this Friday at Sumner.

Emerald Ridge sits at 2-1 in league play, while Rogers is still looking for its first league victory after falling to Sumner 49-27.

Rogers and Emerald Ridge face each other Friday at Sparks Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7 PM.

I also finally figure out why the league standings include fractional point differentials. They're reporting per-game averages rather than total points.

Current schedules and standings are available at spsl.org.

Events at the Washington State Fairgrounds

The Washington State Fairgrounds continues hosting events beyond the traditional fair season.

This weekend's events include a hot tub and swim spa sale and The Revolution Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition at the Puyallup Flat Track.

More information is available at thefair.com.

Value for value

Podyallup is a listener-supported, value-for-value podcast. If you find the show informative, entertaining, or worth keeping around, please consider sending some value back.

You can contribute your time by sharing the show, your talent by helping create something for the podcast, or your treasure through a financial contribution.

I'd also like to hear your thoughts on Washington's income tax debate. What do you think will happen with Initiative 645? Send your predictions and opinions to andrew@podyallup.com.

To support the show financially, visit podyallup.com/donate.

Donations of any amount and frequency are appreciated. Recurring contributions, including the listeners sending $4 each week, help make the show possible.