In today’s Seattle Times we learn that Ron Sims is probably going to have another temper tantrum…

Gov. Christine Gregoire this morning called for a public vote on the Alaskan Way Viaduct to break the political stalemate between an affordable elevated structure and a tunnel that is still financially shaky.

The vote should occur by April within Seattle only. Seattle residents and the city government would be legally responsible to come up with the additional $1.8 billion of expected tunnel cost over what’s available from current gas taxes and federal grants — if city voters approve the tunnel.

If they chose an elevated structure, Gregoire said she expects the state to ensure it’s fully funded. Current costs for that are $2.8 billion, which means lawmakers would need to boost funding about $400 million beyond what the state is contributing now.

Gregoire did not explain in detail how that would happen, but reiterated that the state is responsible for the cost of an elevated highway.

In calling for a public vote, Gregoire said opponents would challenge either the tunnel or the elevated highway through the legislative or permitting processes.

“We are at a political stalemate and must find a path forward to replace the viaduct,” Gregoire said in a statement. “I don’t believe that, without a vote, either option will move forward. We need to hear directly from the people for whom this decision has the most impact.”

She said if costs were no object, the tunnel would be an easy choice. But she said the finance plan for the tunnel alternative is not “feasible and sufficient” to complete the project.

The state Legislature last year asked the city to either vote on a viaduct replacement option or have the City Council choose a replacement by ordinance. While it initially intended to put it to a vote, the council changed its mind and chose the tunnel.

A Seattle Times poll in October found that just 25 percent of Seattle voters want to replace the viaduct with a tunnel while 51 percent want a new viaduct built.

…

The mayor and the Seattle City Council, as well as the city’s business and arts groups, want a 1.1-mile tunnel along the downtown Seattle waterfront. They say it would open up the waterfront and remove a blight.

But others, including influential state legislators, want the viaduct to be rebuilt. Not only is that a cheaper option, it would require less traffic disruption during construction.

…

The city has threatened to increase the costs of an elevated structure, by stalling it and withholding permits, to try to force the tunnel.

Many people thought the governor would chose between the tunnel and the rebuild, but instead she dropped it in the laps of city voters.

This is a good thing. The Seattle City Council acted in craven self interest when they refused to put this before the people. Ron Sims has threatened to block and drag out the process if any option other than a tunnel is chosen.

Having Seattle voters make the choice is the right thing to do. Maybe, just maybe if they vote against the tunnel and the spoiled children they’ve elected as leaders drag their feet and resist an elevated viaduct and drive the cost up they’ll wake up and vote these brats out of office.

I won’t hold my breath waiting.

Previous Posts:

• King County Council conflicted over morality
• Mayor Nickels ready to act like spoiled child
• Seattle City Council among reasons viaduct cost could rise
• Do we need another big government agency for transit?
• More drivers, more time in gridlock

Cross Posted at Perri Nelson’s Website

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