The Tacoma News Tribune today published a bold call to action for lawmakers representing Pierce County to pass a transportation revenue package.
"Those 24 lawmakers have the power to create nearly 100,000 jobs and keep Pacific Rim shipping pouring into Puget Sound through the 21st century," wrote the paper's editorial board. "Yet those same lawmakers could also help forfeit 100,000 jobs. For lack of interest or courage, they could allow the ports of Tacoma and Seattle to become backwaters of maritime commerce — which supports more than 200,000 livelihoods. The decision before these South Sound legislators is whether to throw their combined weight behind the Puget Sound Gateway to secure its passage in the special session of the Legislature."
The Seattle Times on Friday agreed that it is indeed "time for a comprehensive transportation plan."
Governor Inslee also spoke on the need for urgent action. "In the next few weeks we'll decide whether we take a step forward with our state or whether we have a slow erosion into mediocrity," he said while addressing the South Sound Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coalition on Friday.