A sensible step toward UW North

With siting of a new University of Washington North campus at a stalemate for now -- heels are dug in among supporters of Everett and Marysville -- a highly sensible step has been proposed that would ensure the impasse doesn't kill the plan altogether.

Reps. Hans Dunshee of Snohomish and Mike Sells of Everett have offered an amendment that would put into law that a new branch campus will come to Snohomish County. It sets aside the question of where, but seals the Legislature's commitment to adequately serving the higher education needs of students in Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties.

Given the battle between Everett and Marysville backers, which has handed lawmakers an excuse not to launch classes at a temporary site this fall, and with the Legislature set to adjourn this week, this is the best move to make. It will keep the UW's planning processes moving forward, and eliminate the risk that all the progress made to this point -- progress that will benefit the region's students and the entire state for generations to come -- will be left to die on the vine.

Every lawmaker from this region, along with Gov. Chris Gregoire, should help guide it toward passage.