In previous posts I’ve
answered the question “why?” I want to stop East Link. This post proposes one answer to the
question “how?” to stop it. Sound Transits 2011 Environmental
Impact Statement lists 9 “permits or approvals” the city of Bellevue has to
issue. Thus four of the
seven Bellevue City Council members can stop East Link by refusing to issue the
permits.
Claudia Balducci and John Chelminak
are staunch supporters of East Link (Neither could find time to meet with me to
discuss my concerns privately three years ago.). Those two along with recently elected John Stokes were
heavily supported by pro rail “Move Bellevue Forward “. Typical of much of the “pro rail” support, three of the five
MBF board members weren’t even from Bellevue.
The other four would seem to
be persuadable. They’ve all argued
for the BSNF route from I-90 into downtown. Don Davidson has recently been
particularly outspoken in his opposition to the current route. Jennifer Robertson, prior to her
election to the council, promised to use the permitting process in negotiations
with Sound Transit. Mayor Lee and Kevin Wallace both seem
willing to listen to reason on the issue.
Prior to my candidacy I
spent more than three years using the “3 minute Public Comment” portion of BCC
“extended sessions” to explain my concerns. The council, as is their “policy” never
responded. To my knowledge no one else raised any
concerns. The Bellevue Reporter
refused to publish my emails critical of East Link (and still hasn’t
acknowledged my candidacy).
The Seattle Times editorial board ignored my offers to meet, choosing
instead to promote East Link as the answer for cross-lake commuters. (Needless to say I'm not expecting their endorsement.)
The BCC, Bellevue Reporter,
and the Seattle Times need to be “persuaded” to pay attention to East Link
problems. Those who share my
concerns should speak out at BCC meetings or email the council at council@bellevuewa.gov and email the
Bellevue Reporter and Seattle Times.
My post “The Cast Against
East Link” explains how the billions spent on East Link fails any rational
“cost/benefit analysis”. Its
not only those who live along the current route who will suffer, anyone who
commutes into Seattle, or for that matter, commutes along 405 and I-90 will be affected. East Link can be stopped.
No comments:
Post a Comment