About this blog

My name is Bill Hirt and I'm a candidate to be a Representative from the 48th district in the Washington State legislature. My candidacy stems from concern the legislature is not properly overseeing the WSDOT and Sound Transit East Link light rail program. I believe East Link will be a disaster for the entire eastside. ST will spend 5-6 billion on a transportation project that will increase, not decrease cross-lake congestion, violates federal environmental laws, devastates a beautiful part of residential Bellevue, creates havoc in Bellevue's central business district, and does absolutely nothing to alleviate congestion on 1-90 and 405. The only winners with East Link are the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington and their labor unions.

This blog is an attempt to get more public awareness of these concerns. Many of the articles are from 3 years of failed efforts to persuade the Bellevue City Council, King County Council, east side legislators, media, and other organizations to stop this debacle. I have no illusions about being elected. My hope is voters from throughout the east side will read of my candidacy and visit this Web site. If they don't find them persuasive I know at least I tried.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Rogoff’s Constantine Campaign Benefit?

A cynic “might” conclude Sound Transit CEO Rogoff’s decision to host a political fundraiser for County Executive Dow Constantine’s upcoming re-election was in response to Constantine’s part in his selection in 2015.   Constantine has to be pleased Rogoff has continued to emphasize light rail as the answer to the areas transportation crisis, whether or not that played any part in his selection.  

Especially since Rogoff's claims regarding light rail led to ST3 approval mean major efforts will soon begin on the Constantine Sound Transit Board goal for a light rail spine between Everett and Tacoma along I-5 corridor and across Lake Washington through Bellevue to Redmond.   Rogoff will play a major roll in deciding how $54 billion will be spent over the next 25 years, mostly on the light rail spine.   

It’s “possible” some of those “other transportation leaders” invited to the fundraiser might be interested in “participating” in that effort.  Construction companies have been known to support Republicans while their labor unions support Democrats.  Both may feel a significant contribution to the Constantine campaign “wouldn’t hurt”.   Sound Transit Board members as well as Sound Transit employees “may” feel the same way. 

It’s almost enough to goad me to file (for the 6th time) as a candidate.  Again, accepting no contributions and with no desire to win, but to use the voters pamphlet to point out that the disruption from initial light rail construction not only didn’t need to happen, it will only get worse, and when completed will do little to reduce congestion on the area's major roadways.  The only way to do that is to use part of ST3 funds, not on  Prop 1 extensions, but to add thousands of parking stalls with bus connections to where commuters wish to go.  Also use ST3 funds to expedite light rail to West Seattle and Ballard, light rail extensions that would reduce Seattle area congestion.  My hope is someone far better than me to articulate those improvements will choose to do so.








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