After 153 days of legislative sessions, our legislators struggled to agree on how to fund state programs and services. My wife is one of our legislators trying to help Washington thrive. With “rainy day” funds long gone, more taxes, jobs hard to find, our state desperately needs help. Coal exportation is a critical key for providing expansion for Washington. However, our leadership is worrying about perception rather than fact.
This year, I had an informal discussion with John Creighton, Seattle Port Commissioner. We had a nice discussion on how Washington depends on exports for significant revenues. I attempted to explain the issue and the incentives around the transportation of coal. He would not discuss the numbers around the growth or job market improvements. He frankly said, “I’m green.”
To all our Washington leaders: “Leadership is difficult; it requires open discussion, evaluation based on math, and ultimately making decision based on fact, not perceptions.”
We can’t afford to forget that exports have always been reliable drivers of our economy; our state should be encouraging private investments to expand our economy to benefit everyone. Coal needs to be a critical part of that equation — let’s talk openly.
Paul Scott
Monroe
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
