Seattlest: Nick Licata Thinks You're Interested in Sidewalks

ruffhauser

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:29:57 -0800

The "Seattle Process" is the screwiest thing I've ever seen. How many times do you have to vote thumbs up/thumbs down on something to make it happen?

cbendixe

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:24:21 -0800

Hmm, I was told otherwise. I'll have to fire my staff of factcheckers....OK, it was me. Sorry.

MvB

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:39:28 -0800

Licata says, contrary to cbendixe, Bridging the Gap did not specify the Mercer Project:A few of the arterial improvements were mega-projects, such as the Spokane Street Viaduct interchange, the Lander Street Overpass and the Mercer Corridor Project. These three projects were not included in the property tax levy and thus were never directly voted on by the public. Instead the City Council directed two new taxes, the commercial parking tax and the employee tax, to fund them. These taxes remain in force until the Council removes them, unlike the property levy which ends in 2015.

cbendixe

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:28:38 -0800

It should also be noted that the re-do of Mercer as a two-way urban boulevard has been passed by the voters of the City already (remember Bridging the Gap?). The City Council has also voted by a strong majority to devote the $43 million to the Mercer project. Nothing like keeping up the tradition of true Seattle leadership, Councilman. Maybe after this "forum" we should have at least 4 more town meetings, open houses, and at least one more vote on it....