Trust and Transit initiative co-ordinator Maggie Fimia sent this e-mail in reaction to the very good editorial in today's Seattle Times endorsing initiative I-894:
The only point of argument with the Times is that it is not the people's last chance to make Sound Transit accountable. If we do not get the required 200,000 valid signatures by July 2nd - The State Legislature could fix this in a day. They could introduce and amend RCW 81.104 - The High Capacity Transit law to close the loopholes with the 900 words from Initiative 894.Indeed. "Should be pressed" means that you, gentle Washington voter, can and must press your own elected officials and candidates to support closing these loopholes. In fact, call or e-mail the state legislative representatives and candidates for your own district ASAP and ask them (1) whether or not they support I-894 and (2) if they would vote next session for legislation that would accomplish the same result as I-894. If they say no, then find out why not. Please report any responses (or lack thereof) back to me (email me here) and I will keep a running tally of answers at this space.The continued failure to reach consensus and garner voter support for the RTID, Regional Transportation Investment District projects should be the wake up call for the Region- light rail is the problem not the solution.
How much longer will this region have to wait for real and truly effective alternatives to driving alone and to our congested highway system? It's not roads or transit - it's how do we maximize our investments in both and more importantly, regain voter trust?
Our elected officials and candidates should be pressed to support closing the loopholes in RCW 81.104.
[You may find your own legislative district number and elected legislators by visiting the legislature's home page. Once you determine your district, you can find out the names of your local registered candidates by visiting the state Democratic and Republican parties (Senate candidates and House candidates) respectively]
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at June 10, 2004 03:58 PMMaggie was my King County council member for two terms. I disagreed with her in many/most areas. But she got the two big ones right - building a stadium to give to million/billionaires - I think it was Safeco Field - and Sound Transit. And even more, she provided leadership to those who were bucking the establishment with its advantages of high elected officials, media and money.
I was disappointed that she didn't run for a third term. And that was making a big exception for me. Keep it up, Maggie.
Posted by: Ron on June 11, 2004 09:24 AMHow is the signature gathering going for I-894?
Posted by: Tim Ford on June 16, 2004 10:04 AM