Taxation, like death, is inevitable, as the saying goes. Taxes imply a government to collect them, so government is also inevitable. And any institution whose existence is so cosmically determined will not let anything so mundane as the season restrain its activities. Thus, while the rest of us are contemplating vacation and respite from the heat, government agencies are continuing their planning and looking for public input.
(Not to imply government should shut down over the summer. But sometimes I think it would be more convenient.)
To help citizens keep track with some of this activity, Seattle's City Neighborhood Council has prepared a list of ongoing transportation projects that are looking for public input this summer. (Full disclosure: I'm a member of the CNC.) The CNC's memo is in the extended entry, complete with links to the monorail, streetcar, Sound Transit, state ferries, etc. And thanks to Ref Lindmark of the CNC Transportation committee for taking the initiative to put this list together. Go keep your public officials busy answering your comments!
June 24, 2005
To: District Councils, Community Councils, Neighborhood Groups, Neighborhood District Coordinators
From: City Neighborhood Council (CNC)
RE: Public Comment of transportation projects
As most of the citizens of Seattle know, there are a number of major public works projects currently being planned in the City of Seattle. Some of these projects will have significant neighborhood impacts and some will affect the entire city. Some of the projects are early in the planning phase and some have decisions that are being made this summer. District Councils and Community groups do have a role to play in the public review of these projects.
The City Neighborhood Council encourages District Councils, and neighborhood groups to consider making comments that will let the planners, policy makers, and the public officials know the concerns and issues these projects raise for the neighborhoods and the City as a whole. The City Neighborhood Council has prepared a list of projects that are currently requesting input from citizens.
Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/viaduct/
Project Engineer, Alec Williamson, P.E. -WSDOT Phone: 206.382.6366
Seattle Monorail Project
For information on contract, public hearings and to make comments: http://www.elevated.org/.
If you cannot attend one of these hearings, click on Contract Comments fill out the form, and submit it to the Board before 5:00 p.m. on July 11, 2005, for your comments to be considered.
SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR520Bridge/
Project Engineer, Kinyan Lui at LuiK@wsdot.wa.gov Phone: 206.381.6404.
South Lake Union Streetcar
Contact Seattle City Council members and Mayor
Background: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/slustreetcar.htm
George Benson Waterfront Streetcar Line new maintenance barn
Contact: King County Executive, Ron Sims (exec.sims@metrokc.gov)
City of Seattle Mayor, Greg Nichols (http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/contact.htm)
Background: http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2005/0620waterfrontTrolley.htm
Washington State Ferries Long Range Plans
Questions and comments should be directed to wsfplanning@wsdot.wa.gov, or Kristen Gauche at (206) 515-3913.
Sound Transit Phase II plan
For information on plan, public outreach and contact information:
http://www.soundtransit.org/projects/longrange/
Phone: (206) 398-5000
King County Airport - Relocating Southwest Airlines
Contact King County Councilmember: http://www.metrokc.gov/mkcc/
Background: http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2005/0614SouthwestAir.htm
King County International Airport – Changing landing patterns
Comments regarding the potential landing pattern changes to KCIA Director Bob Burke at (206) 296-7380 or robert.burke@metrokc.gov
Noise Complaints can be registered by calling (206) 205-5242
Your city council would operate like the schools do when it comes to working days. They would get the summer off (no pay), but would get paid for Xmas and Easter breaks. And, like the students in our schools, city councils and staff would have to take a "WASL" test.
Those who fail the test are terminated.
Posted by: Gordon W on August 5, 2005 05:11 PM