We can’t ignore crumbling roads

I just got back from Russia – a lovely country in so many ways. Yet one of the most visible reminders that Russia is a third-world country is its crumbling infrastructure.

We were warned against drinking the water. Building maintenance was desperately needed. Roads are badly rutted and deeply pot-holed. They have extremely limited capacity for freight mobility. For example, only a three-lane road connects Moscow with St. Petersburg – the country’s two largest cities.

It was a long drive, so I had plenty of time to think about the current gas-tax debate in Washington state. As I see it, we have a chance to insist upon the first-class, earthquake-proof, free-flowing roads we need to keep our economy humming.

The difference is that we here in Washington can do something about our limited capacity and crumbling infrastructure. Those in Russia must accept what they are given.

For us in Snohomish County, the gas-tax increase means half a billion dollars worth of road and bridge improvements, especially along the congested Highway 9 corridor. It’s rutted. It’s congested. It reminds me of the kidney-crusher roads in Russia.

Are we such cheapskates that we can’t pledge a buck a week to ensure decent roads and bridges? Frankly, I don’t think we’re that shortsighted. Vote no on I-912.

Janet Prichard

Bothell