While driving north on I-405 recently, I started to think of the taxes we are being asked to approve in the name of “fixing” what is wrong with the transportation system in the Puget Sound area. I could not help but wonder what is wrong with state government, which continues to perpetuate a 24-hour HOV lane system while nearly all other states have HOV lanes only during peak commute hours, (6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.).
Over the years, I have continuously asked my Washington state representatives and senator why the HOV lanes can not be opened for all traffic during non-peak hours and have received nonsense responses. Rep. Mike Cooper even refuses to respond to the issue.
As I drove further on I-405, I thought about more money being funneled to Sound Transit and it’s nonsense plan, which to date is overrun. To add insult to the situation, Sound Transit is now spending $18 million for Sound Transit art. I am sure Sound Transit art will go along way in providing an effective solution to the Puget Sound transportation problem.
If Snohomish County government is really as foolish as they are appearing, by thinking that taxpayers are going to buy additional taxes, purported to be at a rate of $1 per day per driver, then they are in serious need of some mental health treatment.
As a former federal government auditor and accountant, I have concluded that based on the total fiscal mismanagement by state and county government, it is 95 percent assured that I will vote no on every transportation ballot issue. Until my elected officials can do the following – show definitive fiscal responsibility, publicly guarantee that no increased taxes will go to the mismanaged Sound Transit and its art project and publicly announce the opening of the HOV lanes for general usage during non-peak hours – I will be unable to reconsider voting for any option.
Lynnwood
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