The Times endorses...

The horse-race nature of the Seattle mayoral contest is expected to boost voter turnout Tuesday. Two King County Council contests and a statewide tax-limitation initiative also are stoking interest.

In a hodge-podge of issues and candidates, The Times' endorsements are:

Statewide ballot

• I-747: Voters should vote an emphatic "no" on Initiative 747, a pennywise, pound-foolish measure that will hurt local governments and fire districts at the worst possible time.

• I-775: Vote "no" on Initiative 775. This measure would create an unfunded mandate by promising higher wages to home health-care workers — with no identified money to cover the cost.

• I-773: Vote "yes" on Initiative 773. This proposal, which would add an additional tax to cigarettes and spend proceeds on health insurance, is another weapon in the anti-smoking arsenal.

• Voters should approve state constitutional amendment ESJR 8208, to expand the pool of temporary judges who can pinch-hit at Superior Courts. This tightly crafted change addresses a chronic problem.

State Legislature

• In Snohomish County's 21st Legislative District, Republican state Rep. Joe Marine, who was steady on transportation, is favored.

King County ballot

• King County Executive Ron Sims, Democrat, is one of the region's most articulate, capable leaders. He has an impressive grasp of the political landscape and should easily be re-elected. Republican Santos Contreras offered a noble challenge, but he is not in Sims' league.

• Political control of the 13-member King County Council rests on Tuesday's voting. State Rep. Carolyn Edmonds, Democrat, is endorsed over Republican attorney Ed Sterner. She has the wiser stance on land-use and growth-management policy. State Rep. Kathy Lambert, a Republican, gets our support largely because of her legislative experience. Sate Sen. Julia Patterson, the Democrat, is easily endorsed over state Sen. Pam Roach, who is combative and wrong-headed on several issues.

• Voters should unreservedly vote "yes" on Medic One. This is not a new tax but a renewal of an existing levy that pays for the county's first-rate emergency medical services.

• King County Charter Amendment No. 1 is a cynical attempt to cloak a political land-use debate in religious garb. Vote "no."

Seattle ballot

• In the Seattle mayoral race, City Attorney Mark Sidran is the smarter of the candidates and has the best skills for leading the city in difficult times.

• In Seattle City Council races, challengers this year are underwhelming, which partly explains why incumbents Richard Conlin, Jan Drago, Richard McIver and Nick Licata are endorsed for re-election. The nine-member council has fewer years of service than many earlier groups. It's not a bad idea to give incumbents time to mature.

• Two high-quality candidates are running for city attorney, but federal prosecutor Edsonya Charles offers the most promise.

• The Seattle School Board faces enormous challenges. Dick Lilly is picked to fill the shoes of the retiring Don Nielsen. Lilly knows education issues as well as anyone in the region.

Newcomer Juan Cotto should replace outgoing board member Michael Preston. Cotto, a go-getter, will bring new energy to the board. Incumbent Jan Kumasaka has gained the right experience and earned another term.

• In Port of Seattle contests, incumbents Jack Block, Pat Davis and Paige Miller best grasp the Port's needs and challenges. All should be returned to office.

Eastside ballots

• Three good candidates are vying for seats on the Kirkland City Council, including Jim Lauinger, Joan McBride and Mary-Alyce Burleigh. Burleigh is one of the best regional candidates to surface in years.

• In Sammamish, voters should back incumbents Kenneth Kilroy and Ron Haworth. Both are knowledgeable about public safety issues. Michele Petitti would be an improvement over incumbent Phil Dyer, who has an abysmal attendance record this year.

• Growth has long been the defining issue in Issaquah, but the council now has to address larger quality-of-life issues. Incumbent Fred Kempe is well prepared to do that. So is Nancy Davidson, who has a solid understanding of regional water issues.