The Herald’s Oct. 9 article on Initiative 745 (“Big money paves way in battle over I-745: Millions contributed for, against roads measure”) was an excellent analysis of this poorly written – but richly funded – measure. I-745 is a misguided attempt to solve our transportation problems that will do nothing but add more cars on the road by cutting transit services all over the state. It is a simplistic approach to solve a complex problem.
Relieving congestion requires a comprehensive transportation plan that includes a system of roads, buses, ferries and rail. Building more highways won’t solve the problem.
The asphalt paving industry spent over $500,000 to put I-745 on the ballot. Half a million dollars may seem like a lot, but it’s nothing compared to how much they stand to profit if I-745 passes, since their companies will get the contracts for building new roads.
Finally, this measure sets transportation policy by initiative, rather than addressing different needs of the state through the give and take of the legislative process. Washington state’s transportation system is too critical to our economic vitality to be dictated by an inflexible ballot measure.
Please vote no on I-745 and send the message that our transportation options are important to our citizens and shouldn’t be decided by a selfish special interest group and its supporters.
Everett
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