Interesting interview from Josh Fiet of The Stranger.  Not really the grading part but then I think that’s a bit subjective to Josh.  Out here we might see things a little different.  For instance, 25 jobs, is 25 jobs.  In an area that needs jobs! And understanding the tax issue with what Microsoft is trying to accomplish (not to mention the power it needs - um… more revenue?) and the competition to keep it close to home, I don’t think the Governor Gregoire is off here. 

(Q) You campaigned on fiscal responsibility, on no new taxes, and closing tax loopholes. Have we closed any tax loopholes? Why are we giving a $75 million tax break to Microsoft to build a server farm in Eastern Washington?

(A) On fiscal responsibility, all you need to do is go to Wall Street and see we have the highest rating for bonds. I inherited a $2.2 billion shortfall, and we have money in the bank. We funded 728 (smaller class size); funded teachers’ cost-of-living increases, the pension system. I got rid of the bed tax we had on seniors. The liquor tax. I got rid of that. We brought fiscal responsibility back. People had been talking about a rainy-day fund—well, we got it done.

We’ve now got a savings account that any family should have.

[Regarding the Microsoft Server Farm tax break:] The competition [to get their business] is fierce. Other states are offering them what we can’t do constitutionally. We can’t just dole out money. We’re not giving them anything at the outset. We’re giving them a reduction in sales tax when they have to replace their equipment every three years. We’re building economically in a part of the state that, candidly, desperately needs it. Otherwise it’s not going to be here.

GRADE: The governor didn’t name a single tax loophole that’s been closed. And the server farm is supposed to create just around 25 jobs. C-

Will and Will (corrected) at Horsesass.org both have some opinions as well.