It will probably never happen, but you’ve got to admire the audaciousness of the Transportation Commission for suggesting that the state may need to tax Puget Sound-area counties in order to help pay for the cost of operating state ferries.
The commissioners in attendance mentioned the idea Thursday night at The Commons, saying that establishing local and regional taxing districts would provide funds sorely needed by WSF, which currently is funded primarily by fares and state sources.
There’s no doubt that WSF, like most state agencies these days is in a world of financial hurt, but even mentioning the “T” word at such a time of economic upheaval indicates that it might be wise for the bureaucrats to get real by mingling with us common folks on a more regular basis.
Trotting out the infamous three-legged funding structure proposal, the commissioners attending Thursday’s meeting said the mix of state and local taxes could be used for terminal enhancement and preservation. If that were the case, it would at least mean that such funding would be used for local projects and improvements, and not just being pumped back into the general operating fund.
These so-called Transportation Benefit Districts already exist in the state and may be funding by various sources, including sales-use taxes, property tax, license fees and tolls. Usually they sunset after improvements are completed and debt is paid. Of course, they require voter approval.
Imagine asking some people living in King or Pierce counties – who can’t even afford the ferry fares and rarely use them – to approve a tax increase at a time when people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
Although the proposal may be unrealistic, it’s encouraging that the commission and the WSF are at least sharing their ideas with the public these days. Transparency is welcomed. In the past, there have been WSF regimes that were not interested at all in what the public thought, and acted accordingly by doing what they pleased.
Letters and more letters
It’s that time of the year when Letters to the Editor increase dramatically because a general election looms. And readers are especially prone to want to express their thoughts and opinions this year because of the importance of the presidential election.
We’ll try to run as many letters as possible in each edition by increasing the amount of space dedicated to your missives. Still, the letters will have to be prioritized since there is only so much space available.
As usual, generally any letter written by an islander concerning a local or regional issue will be be placed on the opinion pages. However, letters written by islanders addressing national issues, including the election, will be considered at a lower priority and will run as space allows.
Also, the shorter the better, whether you’re writing a letter or guest column. That way, more people will have the opportunity to express themselves in print. Thanks.
