Contulations on having such distinguished ancestors. We are indebted to those pioneers who braved incredible hardships -- and many of whom died -- to create this state for us to enjoy.
I also came from NY, but far more recently, only about a quarter century ago.
New York is an interesting city because it is proof that when mass transit goes from where people live to where they want to go, they will use it.
I lived in Staten Island and worked on Wall street, and although I did own a car, I never once drove to work. I used public transit every day while the car sat on the street.
My father lived in Manhattan for over 20 years in an executive position, and never even owned a car. He commuted to work by bus and subway, he went to shows, he went to parks, he went everywhere by public transit.
It can and does work.
I happen to love the HOV lanes. My wife and I have to drive through Seattle often to travel to Tacoma, Olympia, and Oregon. We use the lanes and are astonished that so many other people prefer sitting alone in their cars to finding somebody to share their ride with to get there in half the time.
I didn't think Prop 51 was well designed, and it certainly wasn't well presented. It had flaws. But so does every single proposal designed by human minds. There is no perfection. I think this was a realistic opportunity to address problems which citizens and businesses both agree are stifling the economy of the region and impacting the quality of life of millions of people.
I agree with you that trust in government is low. Locke is not a leader, not a uniter. He doesn't inspire people, he doesn't generate confidence in his ability to lead us to solutions to our problems. I don't know much about the RTA, not being in the Seattle area, but the little I do know is not confidence building. Too much political infighting, too little inspirational leadership. We have fought and won major wars in the time they have been planning and arguing. No argument there. But because the process is failing doesn't mean the problems aren't real, or that the solutions aren't there if the leadership were.
When I went to bed, the Monorail was losing. I'm interested to see that that apprarently turned around and it's now winning. If they do win it, I only hope they can find people who can do it right, and do it on schedule, and do it under budget, to give the taxpayers some confidence that this state can do some things right. |
