A bargain too good to resist?

There are times when principles make you sit on your checkbook. And then there are bargains that seem too good to pass up.

It seems a third Olympic-class ferry is just such a good deal.

The Legislature ended its session without producing a state transportation plan. After prolonged negotiations, the ultimate roadblock was a list of so-called reforms demanded by the Senate’s GOP-dominated Majority Coalition.

In the name of government accountability, these senators were willing to neglect vital transportation needs unless they were are allowed to impose financial and operating strictures on state projects and the bureaucracies that oversee them. Their demands included everything from fast-tracking engineering and environmental reviews to earmarking all transportation sales-tax revenues for transportation projects.

This was the right thing to do, they declared, because the Department of Transportation had run amok on projects like the 520 bridge and Seattle’s tunnel.

Not everyone agreed this was a productive approach to constructing roads, interchanges and transit infrastructure, but few doubted the Majority’s Coalition’s commitment to principles.

Then the ferry proposal floated onto the scene.

Vigor Industrial of Seattle already was building two 144-vehicle vessels for Washington State Ferries. If the state ordered a third ferry now, it could buy it at current prices. So, a search began for the necessary $123 million.

The solution came in a House bill that tacked a $5 service fee on vehicle registrations and a $12 fee on title transfers. The fees will go into an account used for procuring ferries.

Now, the state’s ferry system is not exempt from questions about things like overtime costs or its purchase of cock-eyed Kwa-di Tabil-class vessels. Eastern Washington representatives grumble that Spokane taxpayers subsidize Puget Sound passengers; one rural Southwest Washington legislator suggests that “rich people who choose to live on islands” should buy their own ferries.

Yet, this bill sailed smoothly through the Senate and passed the House easily on a somewhat partisan vote. How in the name of accountability did this happen?

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima (and chief among transportation “reformers”), explained: “We needed to keep building that third ferry because it saves us millions of dollars, building three in a row.”

No critique of the ferry system’s track record. Barely a murmur about the fact that these new fees are permanent and won’t go away once the cost of the third ferry is covered.

Those cable TV shopping channels really know how to overcome buyer resistance: “Act now on this special one-time offer!”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Feb. 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

Comment: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise

Bills in the state Senate would look to control costs and keep decisions in the hands of providers.

Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees

State legislation would exempt taxes and gratuities from the fees that credit card firms charge businesses.

Forum: State church leaders call for compasion for immigrants

Scripture repeatedly instructs us to love our neighbor and show the stranger hospitality.

Forum: Support state legislation to reform policing, corrections

One bill would harmonize standards for agency leadership; another would clarify review of corrections facilities.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.