It’s not a solution

To all those who feel that Initiative 745 will do anything it promises, you need to realize this: The only area left for new road construction is in eastern Washington. Don’t count on any new roads or improvements north of Marysville, as the road commission focuses on areas of high traffic, i.e., Seattle.

Initiative sponsor Tim Eyman has made a valiant try to give the government a swift kick to get it started, but this initiative is as misguided as its predecessor. There’s no meat on its bones. Stripping 10 percent from the transit/ferry fund will only mean you’ll get new stripes on the road every few years. We are very late in things like commuter trains, but crippling the buses isn’t the solution.

For those who put down the initiative opponents, you need to realize it takes five years to put down a 10-mile stretch of road bed, and then it is filled to capacity within a few months of opening.

As to those making the remark of empty buses in the South end, they need to realize that most are commuter buses nearing their last stop, and others are not in service, (displayed as such on the forward destination sign), and do not carry passengers. As a coach operator since 1991, the last eight with Community Transit, I cannot believe what I’ve been hearing and reading, as it shows narrow minds at work. It is next to impossible to get people to give up their ego extensions, as it was for me 20 years ago, but I’d rather be able to sleep or read the paper en route instead of dodging the idiots who think they’re qualified as race car drivers.

Everett

Talk to us

More in Opinion

File - A teenager holds her phone as she sits for a portrait near her home in Illinois, on Friday, March 24, 2023. The U.S. Surgeon General is warning there is not enough evidence to show that social media is safe for young people — and is calling on tech companies, parents and caregivers to take "immediate action to protect kids now." (AP Photo Erin Hooley, File)
Editorial: Warning label on social media not enough for kids

The U.S. surgeon general has outlined tasks for parents, officials and social media companies.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, May 28

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

Forum: Especially at time of peace, U.S. must honor its fallen

As diplomacy takes precedence over military action, Memorial Day reminds us of our duty to history.

Comment: Federal student loan repayments need reforms

With repayments resuming soon, borrowers and the government need to prepare income-based plans.

Comment: Veterans struggling with addiction need our support

Connect veterans with the services they need through encouragement, understanding and advocacy.

President Joe Biden meets with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Calif., to discuss the debt limit in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, May 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Comment: A brief history of risks and outcomes of debt crises

Past debt ceiling and budget crises in 1995, 2011 and 2013 offer perspective on the current situation.

Comment: Hospice care isn’t giving up; it’s a gift of time, love

End-of-life care offers patients and families comfort, better quality of life and time to say goodbye.

Comment: State, local libraries rebuilding lives after prison

For those leaving prison, a library card is key to starting again. A new program offers that key.

Most Read