Organic marketers, Hempfest haranguers, and Midwest farmers claim hemp’s a valuable food and fiber. Antidrug campaigners call it a cover crop for marijuana legalization.
Trolley backers claim more streetcars will convert transit haters and spur development. But buses are cheaper, and Seattleites are already flocking to them.
Washington politicians, energy mavens, and drivers are jumping on the biodiesel bandwagon. But skeptics warn that it steals desperately needed food crops and may actually raise greenhouse emissions.
A proposed voting reform is supposed to protect independent voters by banning political parties from county ballots. But opponents fear it will only protect endangered Republican officeholders.
City hall is trying to stop crosswalk carnage and make Seattle safe for pedestrians, but sometimes its strategy seems to be forcing them off the street.
Tim Eyman claims his latest ballot measure will open empty lanes, cure congestion, and fulfill a state audit’s recommendations. Critics contend it will have the opposite effect—and will set back transit, too.
Distressed parents complain that Seattle Public Schools isolates disabled children in failing schools. Officials insist they’re doing the best they can—and maybe those kids don’t belong with other students.
