The Oct. 19 guest commentary by Kim Buike regarding the need for legislators to choose to fund a four-year, state-supported university in Snohomish County rather than a NASCAR track at Smokey Point couldn’t be more timely. Our politicians need to get their priorities straight if they are preparing to sidestep a vote of the people to fund a stock-car racing facility. Given the choice of spending $200 million to fund one or the other with public dollars, there is no question that the university should come first. The investment in higher education brings wins to our county on so many levels; this choice is a no-brainer.
If the race track is such a good deal, let the racing interests put up the money. They can bankroll their own deal.
As a former elected official from Snohomish, a business owner and an interested citizen, I am keenly aware of the need to establish an institution that will develop the business and cultural climate that brings so many benefits to our region. An educated workforce attracts economic opportunities and a broader tax base so vital to paying for police and court systems and park services we all need so badly.
I urge all citizens of Snohomish County to lobby their elected officials at every level to push hard for the University of Washington (or WSU) at Everett, regardless of the direction they choose on the racing facility. This is an investment our whole county can take to the bank. Our county loses ground to other places in our state and in the country with every passing year without a public four-year university.
Let’s help them choose higher education over stock cars.
STEPHEN DANA
Snohomish
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