Bipartisan effort to find fix refreshing

Sept. 11 — a fitting day for Gov. Chris Gregoire to travel on U.S. 2 and meet in Monroe with a bipartisan group of local elected officials and community leaders to address the ongoing significant loss of life continuing to occur on this highway, just west of Snohomish to Stevens Pass. The governor and local leaders expressed gratitude for the first responders and to state, county and local law enforcement for their daily dedication. More importantly, these leaders took time to recognize the deep grief and personal loss associated with the dangers posed by this overburdened stretch of highway. Virtually every person in the room had personal stories of a relative, friend or neighbor injured or killed on U.S. 2.

The bipartisan expressions of need and support to fix this complex and longstanding problem was refreshing. The broad-based level of commitment was supported by the governor and ratified by the robust turnout of many local elected officials and Aaron Reardon, Dave Somers, Kirk Pearson, Dan Kristianson, Val Stevens and staff representating Rick Larsen, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. The state Department of Transportation was also present to answer questions.

As citizens of communities exposed to the difficulties of U.S. 2, we should be particularly grateful for the more than 10 years of tireless leadership that Fred and Donetta Walser, along with the U.S. 2 Safety Coalition, have diligently invested to heighten visibility on the profound need for safety improvements to this treacherous stretch of highway.

I want to thank the Walsers and the governor for their foresight, determination, willingness, compassion and leadership to tackle this expensive, long-term and complex problem. After all, this public safety effort could impact and prevent future loss of life and disability on this dangerous stretch of highway.

Mark Judy