May 2006

At the start of the 20th Century, Seattle was crisscrossed by an extensive streetcar network reaching all corners of the city.

Like many neighborhoods, West Seattle was developed along these streetcar lines-with our familiar "Junctions" named to signify the meeting of streetcar lines, rather than roads. The link between transportation and development was crystal clear: streetcar lines concentrated growth and let people get to their jobs in a timely fashion.

During the 1940s, Seattle followed the national trend of ripping up or paving over streetcar lines.

Your editorial incorrectly notes that voters will face a regional transportation measure this November. The Legislature prohibited King, Pierce and Snohomish counties from putting a plan forward in 2006 and mandated a plan be placed on the 2007 ballot instead. Also, the proposal to increase Metro bus service must be first approved by the King County Council before it can be placed on the ballot. The council will take up the measure later this summer.

Jon Scholes

Chief of Staff

King County Councilmember

Julia Patterson

I heard a motorcycle going by very fast tonight on Alki, and then on the 11 p.m. channel 4 and 7 news I saw that (probably the same) motorcyclist had lost control and slid up onto the walking path, injuring a skateboarder. I think the police need to set up surveillance on warm evenings starting now to avoid more harm.

Suzanne Ulloa

Alki

Could you explain why, in your West Seattle police report, your writer mentions a person's race only when suspects were "black" or "Hispanic?" What purpose do these blunt descriptions serve but to reinforce stereotypes and cause fear in this largely white community? Do fear and division make us secure?

I fear our xenophobic tendencies divert our attention from things much more dangerous - things like police chases proudly described in your new White Center police report.

The following is a copy of a memo sent to the Municipal Court regarding the abuse of speed traps:

"On or about March 20, heading west on the West Seattle Bridge, I took the Admiral exit. After rounding the bend onto Admiral way, there suddenly appeared many motorcycle police officers (previously hidden from view) pulling over what seemed like every car. I was going with the flow of traffic (which was quite heavy) and did not have time to slow down for the new speed limit. I was ticketed and fined $132.50.

There is something wrong here.

After sending e-mails of concerns to Mayor Nickels and the city council regarding concerns of the possible unnecessary cost of rebuilding, replacing the viaduct as well as what is happening to West Seattle with the high density building that is going on I have come to this one conclusion. They just don't get it!

I received responses from the mayor and three council members, which I greatly appreciated.

Phil Talmadge is right on the money (the big money) in last week's letter to the editor, regarding the preposterous transportation alternatives being proposed by our illustrious mayor and his cronies. How quickly the mayor has all but abandoned his West Seattle constituency.

To my knowledge, there has been no conclusive evidence, in past structural engineering studies, that the Viaduct is not sound. Even after the magnitude 6.8 earthquake of February, 2001, only minor damages were discovered, those being repaired quickly and at minimum cost.

Various qualified and competent structural Engineers have evaluated the Alaskan Way Viaduct damage and have stated that repair is possible without disrupting traffic flow and at for far less coat than replacement (the state choice) as a tunnel (the mayor's choice). When the state and the city prepare the ballot wording for the November election, repair will not be an option.

Mark Twain (I think) said "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." 61 of the 64 opuses "ain't broke." Lets vote to repair them but prepare a backup plan in case we ever get the big one.

Jesus and I would like for everyone to please support, in what ever way you are able, the upcoming protest against injustice towards immigrants. Of course you have heard the "we are all immigrants" talk, and I am sure you have also heard the legal vs. illegal debates. For us, this is more than a matter to be debated. Many of our friends had to cross the river at great peril because they could not support themselves or their families.

Since the Seattle Times article exposing the fact Chief Sealth has student athletes attending school that do not live in the schools "Geographical Area," I have read one article after another calling for firing the coaches, taking away championships, even having disgruntled parents comparing (Baseball) Major League "alleged" steroid using athletes to these kids.

These kids are not criminals and the comparison between the two is appalling!

I do however believe there is more to this issue than is being reported by the Seattle Times and/or any other news media here in Seattl