The past week has seen an impressive barrage of tunnel politics, tunnel fictions flying around the blogosphere, and even Tunnel Facts raining down like hammers of justice. Prompted by reader requests (@bostonsteamer), TunnelFacts is releasing the 2009 TunnelFacts Candidate Guide! Not every candidate talks about the tunnel, but they all have a position. We’ve found out what they are, and dish them out below.
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!
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Ya know, I sure hate to say I’m for the tunnel or against it…
But I sure as hell am against the viaduct. Tear that nasty POS down already. It absolutely ruins the positive vibe of the waterfront…
But as for tunnel, or whatever… money would be better spent doing nothing – pushing the traffic to somewhere else or providing a non-auto based alternative.
Better yet, fix the whole damn issue with a congestion fee.
I have repeatedly stated that I would have voted against the tunnel had I been on the Council, and would vote no on the tunnel if a citizen lead initiative or new Mayor presented it to the Council.
Dorsol Plants
Candidate
Seattle City Council Position 4
Adron – pushing the traffic elsewhere, where?!?! There’s no where. 99 is the lifeblood of my transit. When it’s packed I’ve tried getting off and taking 1st or 2nd N. or S. and I would have been better off to just stay on 99. If they “do away” with it, traffic in the city will get overloaded Transit times will further increase and instead of Boeing leaving town maybe it will be Microsoft this time… Real Networks and every other company driving our local economy. Not to mention all of the small “support” businesses that would fold, thereby crippling our economy.
Besides taking the viaduct down will significantly increase value along the waterfront attracting business and tourism. It’s a win-win.
Believe me I’m all for Mass Transit but we’ve all see how well that went over, the light rail is a real success… can’t wait til I actually have a reason to go to Tukwilla so I can actually use the light rail.
Dorsol what would you have proposed.
Wait . . . how does Microsoft come up in a discussion about 99? I know we have offices downtown, but the 520 is a much bigger concern when it comes to the comfort of Microsoft.
Also, Real Networks driving our local economy? That’s funny.