News
Seattle Times Endorses Tunnel
The Seattle Times rolled out a batch of endorsements today, including giving the thumbs up
to the tunnel.
The paper doesn't so much make the case for the project—they actually opposed the concept in 2007—as they do bash its critics for not having a viable alternative while disputing concerns about the infamous cost overrun clause, noting that the attorney general has said the anti-Seattle clause is unenforceable.
It doesn't take long for the editorial, three paragraphs in, to find its way to Mayor Mike McGinn, though. The paper's animosity toward the mayor and his followers in the Sierra Club—"Do not listen to those with Sierra Club beanies"—is without question, the animating energy of this uncharacteristically angry Times editorial.
The editorial does acknowledge that the tolling plan, which could divert 40,000 cars to surface streets, is a problem. The conundrum? Without tolling dollars, the project doesn't pencil out.
The paper also indulges in its usual frustrating endorsement ritual by picking two candidates in the the Seattle City Council primary races. I wish they'd realize we don't have instant runoff voting in Seattle. Who do they choose between incumbent Sally Clark and her rival Dian Ferguson? Sally Clark and Diane Ferguson.
However, given the crowded field going up against incumbent Jean Godden, the Times picks in that race does elevate one of her challengers—Maurice Classen. (They also picked Godden.)
The other main Godden rival, Bobby Forch, recently won the endorsement of City Council member Nick Licata and the Stranger. Both Classen and Forch were also rated "Very Good" by the Muni League while Godden only got a "Good."
The paper doesn't so much make the case for the project—they actually opposed the concept in 2007—as they do bash its critics for not having a viable alternative while disputing concerns about the infamous cost overrun clause, noting that the attorney general has said the anti-Seattle clause is unenforceable.
It doesn't take long for the editorial, three paragraphs in, to find its way to Mayor Mike McGinn, though. The paper's animosity toward the mayor and his followers in the Sierra Club—"Do not listen to those with Sierra Club beanies"—is without question, the animating energy of this uncharacteristically angry Times editorial.
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn came into office promising not to stand in the way of a decision that preceded his arrival at City Hall, to build the deep-bore tunnel. The project has the support of eight City Council members, Gov. Chris Gregoire, King County Executive Dow Constantine and numerous other regionally minded leaders.
But McGinn, for lack of a more politically correct term, lied. He has done everything imaginable to stop the tunnel. He lent staff, his wife gave money and he provided mayoral cachet to the effort to secure the Aug. 16 public vote, the latest method of stalling.
The editorial does acknowledge that the tolling plan, which could divert 40,000 cars to surface streets, is a problem. The conundrum? Without tolling dollars, the project doesn't pencil out.
A recent environmental-impact statement shined light on a significant problem with the tunnel: High tolls would divert too many cars to other streets. Tolling is expected to generate $400 million. Clearly, tolling has to be adjusted or dumped to make the project a success. That will leave a gap in funding and lawmakers have to fill it.
The paper also indulges in its usual frustrating endorsement ritual by picking two candidates in the the Seattle City Council primary races. I wish they'd realize we don't have instant runoff voting in Seattle. Who do they choose between incumbent Sally Clark and her rival Dian Ferguson? Sally Clark and Diane Ferguson.
However, given the crowded field going up against incumbent Jean Godden, the Times picks in that race does elevate one of her challengers—Maurice Classen. (They also picked Godden.)
The other main Godden rival, Bobby Forch, recently won the endorsement of City Council member Nick Licata and the Stranger. Both Classen and Forch were also rated "Very Good" by the Muni League while Godden only got a "Good."
Filed under
Share
Show Comments
