Obvious Diversion

Update: Take action at 2045 Seattle to Save Your Seattle Monorail

I’m glad to report that I recieved a reply from Mayor Greg Nickels today in regards to the monorail (as I’m sure a lot of other people did). In short, the mayor is saying back off and let the monorail board figure out how to recover. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to contact Mayor Nickels to let him know of your desire to have a rapid transit monorail built in the city. Here’s the mayor’s statement in full.

Dear Christian:

Thank you for taking the time to send me your thoughts on the monorail project.

This is obviously a critical time for the Seattle Monorail Project (SMP) and for the city. We are facing a number of decisions that will shape transportation in Seattle for generations.

Recent developments at the SMP regarding the financing and construction of the proposed 14-mile Green Line have caused heightened emotions by both critics and supporters. Public opinion of the SMP and the board’s ability to manage the project has been severely weakened by the events of the last few weeks.

I believe we must give the SMP board the time and opportunity to get its arms around these complex issues and restore public confidence. Over the past few days I have discussed with board members how I believe they can do that.

First, they must answer a basic question: does the SMP have a project that board members and the public are confident can be built?

To that end, I have recommended the board take an approach similar to what Sound Transit did in 2001. Bring in technical experts from across the country to review the Cascadia proposal and determine whether the project is feasible.

Second, I believe board members need to acknowledge that they don’t have enough revenue to build the line as it is now proposed. They need to take a more conservative approach to their financial assumptions, which may mean asking the voters for higher revenues.

If the board decides to seek additional revenue, then the voters of Seattle, who created the monorail project, should be given the option to either increase its revenue or end the project.

I will continue to work to ensure that taxpayers are protected and that we make progress on the other critical transportation projects of our city, including light rail and the Viaduct.

Sincerely,

GREG NICKELS
Mayor of Seattle

I’m glad to see Mayor Nickels not hiding from this issue. He’s not being as supportive as I’d like, but he is taking the right stance here.