Disclaimer

Before you get too excited, let us note that these are facts only, and do not constitute endorsements on the part of TunnelFacts.com. We do not and will not make endorsements. All names are in ballot-order, and citations follow the post.

Also for the record (in case you haven’t noticed): TunnelFacts.com is solidly Anti-Tunnel, and Pro-I-5/Surface/Transit Hybrid.

Understanding the TunnelFactor ©

A scientific rating scale based on extensive empirical research: where does this candidate stand on the tunnel?

• — thinks the tunnel is a total bore. Supports I-5/Surface/Transit option
• — somewhere disconcertingly between the tunnel and I-5/Surface/Transit
• — full-bore tunnel supporter

King County Executive

Candidate	TunnelFactor	Preferred Alternative
Larry Phillips
Fred Jarrett
Stan Lippmann		“Suspended Structure”
Alan Lobdell		I-5/Surface/Transit Hybrid
Susan Hutchison
Dow Constantine
Ross Hunter
Goodspaceguy		Elevated Freeway Rebuild

Seattle Mayor

Candidate	TunnelFactor	Preferred Alternative
Mike McGinn		I-5/Surface/Transit Hybrid
James Donaldson
Greg Nickels
Joe Mallahan
Kwame Wyking Garrett		Awaiting response from Garrett campaign.
Jan Drago
Elizabeth Campbell		Cable-Stayed Bridge or Elevated Freeway Rebuild
Norman Zadok Sigler		Doesn’t like tunnel, but feels “it’s a done deal”.

Seattle City Council Position 2

Candidate	TunnelFactor	Preferred Alternative
David Ginsberg		I-5/Surface/Transit Hybrid
Richard Conlin

Seattle City Council Position 4

Candidate	TunnelFactor	Preferred Alternative
Sally Bagshaw
Dorsol Plants	*	* See comment from Dorsol below.  In an email exchange, he said he’s against the tunnel in principle and would prefer the I-5/Surface/Transit option.  However, unless a citizen-backed initiative came up, or a new Mayor presented it to the council, he would only make an effort to fix what he sees as flaws in the current plan, vice trying to fight the tunnel outright.
David Bloom		Elevated Freeway Rebuild or Retrofit.  We spoke with David, and he said that he was very anti-tunnel for many of the reasons outlined on this site.  He went on to say that he won’t rule out the I-5/Surface/Transit option, but would have to be convinced it could handle the traffic.

Seattle City Council Position 6

Candidate	TunnelFactor	Preferred Alternative
Marty Kaplan
Nick Licata	*	* Unless the financing plan collapses
Jesse Israel

Seattle City Council Position 8

Candidate	TunnelFactor	Preferred Alternative
Mike O’Brien		I-5/Surface/Transit Hybrid
Rusty Williams
Bobby Forch
David Miller
Jordan Royer
Robert Rosencrantz

Primary source:

Responses to “lightning round” questions at Alki Foundation’s May 7, 2009 Candidate Forum:
http://www.seattlechamber.com/enews/pdf/Lightning-Round-City-Council.pdf

Other sources:

• Phone conversations with Hutchison and Lobdell campaigns, 8/12/09.
• Email exchange with David Ginsberg, 8/12/09
• Email exchange with Dorsol Plants, 8/13/09
• Phone conversaton with David Bloom, 8/14/09
• http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2008610476_opin11phillips.html
• http://www.seattlepi.com/local/406192_jarrett14.html
• http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2003340600_councilrace03m.html
• http://www.westseattleherald.com/2009/01/14/news/update-constantine-supports-tunnel
• http://housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/hunter/20090512_AWV%20Bill%20Signing.asp
• http://colonizespace.blogspot.com/
• http://www.rainiervalleypost.com/?p=13594
• http://www.friendsofseattle.org/2009-voters-guide-primary-election/seattle-city-council-pos-4/david-bloom

What now?

First, if you have any more information about any candidate’s position on the tunnel, or found any errors, please email us right away. Otherwise, enjoy this research and do what you do best, citizens: participate in our democracy!