Son of Prop. 1

The Sierra Club, having effectively killed what was a broad compromise to build roads and transit last year, have now decided that they shall deliver the son of Proposition 1.

They call for Sound Transit to come to the ballot this year with something, as yet unwritten, that reduces emissions, creates choices, and builds light rail across the 520 bridge. Presumably the members of the Sound Transit board will be required to submit any proposals to the Sierra Club and win their approval before being permitted to petition the state’s voters.

Those who argued that Sound Transit’s problems lay in its governance have gotten their wish – the Sierra Club and its cadre of like-minded environmentalists are now in charge. The team that ran the Proposition 1 campaign is now running Governor Gregoire’s reelection campaign. Ron Sims must be thrilled.

So, voters, shall we welcome the son of Prop. 1? Do we give in to greenwashed extortion? Or do our taxes instead go towards restoring the Pike Place Market, rebuilding Seattle Center, or supporting our schools.