Op-Ed: Vote No on Initiative 2117 to Ensure Mobility for Washingtonians

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

I-2117 would repeal the Climate Commitment Act, erasing funding for sidewalks, transit, safe streets, and more. Vote ‘No’ to ensure mobility for all, including nondrivers.

Like a lot of Washingtonians, I took my kid on vacation to the Olympic Peninsula this summer. We rode Mason and Jefferson transit buses to connect from my folks’ home in Olympia up to Port Townsend, and then the next morning rode Jefferson and Clallam transit buses to get to the bike trail near Crescent Lake. Both my kid and I were thrilled to be able to make this — a trip that wouldn’t have been possible without rural transit service.

I grew up in Olympia and was born with a neurological condition that makes my eyes shake and means I can’t see well enough to get a driver’s license. For many years, I lived in New York City because I loved having transit access, but I wanted to raise my kid close to his grandparents, and so I moved back to Washington in 2018.

One of the first things I noticed was how difficult it was to get around Washington. Between regional rail and intercity buses, I felt like I could get to almost any town on the East Coast from NYC. It wasn’t like that in Washington: few inter-city bus options existed, and local transit agency routes were so limited that planning a trip to visit a different part of the state outside the I-5 corridor felt insurmountable.

https://www.theurbanist.org/2024/10/26/op-ed-vote-no-on-initiative-2117/

[SeanHG]

1. Voted "No" on it

and the other 3 WA St initiatives. They all read like they're written by 4th graders!

I have a natural aversion to, and generally vote against ALL initiatives. My thinking is: I voted in my state government, and I expect them to do their jobs. If they don't, or won't, I have a chance in 2 years to find someone who will.

Initiatives make our government lazy, and are usually poorly written, and invariably get struck down by courts as unconstitutional anyway. The 4 this year are partisan word-salads that wilted before the ink was dry (to mix metaphors). Toss 'em in the garbage where they belong.

And don't get me started on the yearly Strap-The-Ratcage-To-My-Face "Vote Yes for Kids" money-grabs - a rant for another time...