Opponents aren’t fearful, close-minded

The Marysville/Tulalip Chamber of Commerce president’s letter to The Herald on Sunday was yet another example of some NASCAR track proponents’ attempts to paint those opposed to the track as fearful and closed minded (“Take opportunity to diversify economy”). Some people with a “one track mind” on the issue would like everyone to believe that track opponents do not support diversification and economic development.

Everyone is for diversification and economic development. How about discussing multiple development alternatives with side by side comparisons of taxpayer costs, revenues and impacts of each master plan? The questions that need to be discussed, and not avoided by spreading misinformation about those who do not share your opinion, are: 1. whether Smokey Point is a good location, 2. whether the benefits outweigh the costs and impacts, and 3. whether there are better options.

International Speedway Corp. approached the Tulalip Tribes a number of years ago to put a track on their property, but they chose a different development plan. Was their decision based on “fear” and “worst case scenarios”? Of course not.

I oppose the track not out of fear and ignorance, but because I have serious concerns about real costs/impacts that I have verified through research. There are 13 other ISC racetracks that provide plenty of existing evidence to make an educated decision. Let’s hope our legislators will see past the spin and well-funded lobbying efforts, and make a decision that is in the best interest of the chosen site area, as well as the state.

Carla Brown

Arlington

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