Comments on: Designing for Livability Liveblog Part 3 http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/ Transit in the Greater Seattle Area Fri, 25 May 2012 21:03:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74622 Chris Stefan Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:06:16 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74622 Bernie, That is rather strange, though maybe being afraid of Kemper's influence might have had something to do with it or maybe nobody in Bellevue city government was a friend of Ron. Certainly it is time a council member or mayor of Bellevue was on the ST board. Especially with all of the East Link decisions coming down the pike.
Bernie,
That is rather strange, though maybe being afraid of Kemper’s influence might have had something to do with it or maybe nobody in Bellevue city government was a friend of Ron. Certainly it is time a council member or mayor of Bellevue was on the ST board. Especially with all of the East Link decisions coming down the pike.

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74621 Chris Stefan Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:01:51 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74621 City representatives don't have to be mayors. It appears each sub-area gets 3 representatives too. It would be hard to put together an anti-transit majority on the ST board given all of the constraints. Still I'd rather not have her trying to sandbag Metro and ST at every opportunity. Ben, I'm not sure Carr really has a position on transit, if he does I expect he's on our side as an avid bike rider. As Bernie said it would be a bit odd to appoint a city attorney to the ST board in any case. Not that Albro would be eligible for the ST board but I don't think he's anti-transit. He's genuinely an infrastructure geek and was really excited about light rail and the new airport station when I talked to him.
City representatives don’t have to be mayors. It appears each sub-area gets 3 representatives too. It would be hard to put together an anti-transit majority on the ST board given all of the constraints. Still I’d rather not have her trying to sandbag Metro and ST at every opportunity.

Ben, I’m not sure Carr really has a position on transit, if he does I expect he’s on our side as an avid bike rider. As Bernie said it would be a bit odd to appoint a city attorney to the ST board in any case.

Not that Albro would be eligible for the ST board but I don’t think he’s anti-transit. He’s genuinely an infrastructure geek and was really excited about light rail and the new airport station when I talked to him.

]]> By: Bernie http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74609 Bernie Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:05:38 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74609 Albro definitely not. As Port Commisioner he wouldn't fit the criteria of a locally elected official (the exec is the county wide representative and the Port has no geographical boundaries). Highly unlikely a City Attorney would be appointed; there is no precedent for that. Pretty much guaranteed the City of Seattle board member will be who ever you elect as mayor. The county executives appointments are subject to the approval of the county council plus there's the requirement that half of the appointments in each county must be elected officials who serve on the local transit agency governing authority. So, you're really talking about only being able to change the mix of County Council Members (who's pool isn't changing) and substituting mayors from different suburbs. Licata to replace Conlin is a possibility. I don't see Licata views being that different than McGinns. Someone from Bellevue, likely Grant Degginger to replace Kirkland Council member Burleigh definitely. I don't see finally putting someone from Bellevue on the board as being damaging. I see it as long overdue.
Albro definitely not. As Port Commisioner he wouldn’t fit the criteria of a locally elected official (the exec is the county wide representative and the Port has no geographical boundaries). Highly unlikely a City Attorney would be appointed; there is no precedent for that. Pretty much guaranteed the City of Seattle board member will be who ever you elect as mayor. The county executives appointments are subject to the approval of the county council plus there’s the requirement that half of the appointments in each county must be elected officials who serve on the local transit agency governing authority.

So, you’re really talking about only being able to change the mix of County Council Members (who’s pool isn’t changing) and substituting mayors from different suburbs. Licata to replace Conlin is a possibility. I don’t see Licata views being that different than McGinns. Someone from Bellevue, likely Grant Degginger to replace Kirkland Council member Burleigh definitely. I don’t see finally putting someone from Bellevue on the board as being damaging. I see it as long overdue.

]]> By: Ben Schiendelman http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74592 Ben Schiendelman Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:40:22 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74592 Elected officials like Licata, Carr and Albro, for instance? She can do plenty of damage.
Elected officials like Licata, Carr and Albro, for instance? She can do plenty of damage.

]]> By: shotsix http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74210 shotsix Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:52:43 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74210 Oh, thank god. That brings my mood up a notch!
Oh, thank god. That brings my mood up a notch!

]]> By: Bernie http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74204 Bernie Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:41:23 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74204 They have to be elected officials from prescribed county and city positions. It's actually a pretty good system despite the fact Bellevue has apparently <i>never</i> had any representation on the board.
They have to be elected officials from prescribed county and city positions. It’s actually a pretty good system despite the fact Bellevue has apparently never had any representation on the board.

]]> By: shotsix http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74202 shotsix Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:13:35 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74202 That sounds great in theory, but why do they have to be qualified? Couldn't she just appoint any staunch light rail opponent she wants regardless of qualifications? People would rightfully complain, but she could take the typical "screw-you" approach used by many modern day republicans.
That sounds great in theory, but why do they have to be qualified? Couldn’t she just appoint any staunch light rail opponent she wants regardless of qualifications? People would rightfully complain, but she could take the typical “screw-you” approach used by many modern day republicans.

]]> By: Martin H. Duke http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74191 Martin H. Duke Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:29:48 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74191 it's supposed to open in june
it’s supposed to open in june

]]> By: Martin H. Duke http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74187 Martin H. Duke Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:14:53 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74187 By controlling board appointments, Hutchison could theoretically grind the whole rail project to a halt. However, she'd have trouble finding enough qualified appointees to actually take that course of action, especially in light of the recent vote. Nevertheless, there are two problem areas: one, East Link still has a lot of political enemies, and there are technical issues like the I-90 crossing that could be used to gum it up. You can also count on the B7 alignment. Also, if ST has another meltdown, you can be sure she won't go to the mat to save it the way politicians did this decade.
By controlling board appointments, Hutchison could theoretically grind the whole rail project to a halt. However, she’d have trouble finding enough qualified appointees to actually take that course of action, especially in light of the recent vote.

Nevertheless, there are two problem areas: one, East Link still has a lot of political enemies, and there are technical issues like the I-90 crossing that could be used to gum it up. You can also count on the B7 alignment.

Also, if ST has another meltdown, you can be sure she won’t go to the mat to save it the way politicians did this decade.

]]> By: alexjonlin http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74182 alexjonlin Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:12:44 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74182 Has any RapidRide construction started yet? It took about a year to build Swift, so if there's no construction for it along the 99, I'm guessing A Line won't open in February.
Has any RapidRide construction started yet? It took about a year to build Swift, so if there’s no construction for it along the 99, I’m guessing A Line won’t open in February.

]]> By: Bernie http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74181 Bernie Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:09:19 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74181 Take a deep breath. The charter requires that the board be appointed from elected officials and assures that Seattle will have the largest representation.
Take a deep breath. The charter requires that the board be appointed from elected officials and assures that Seattle will have the largest representation.

]]> By: shotsix http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74178 shotsix Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:42:28 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74178 Oh joy, a small vocal minority will get to control our destiny! I bet Kemper will be the first new board member appointed. At least University Link is under construction...probably hard to stop that one. Maybe the board should make their positions elected rather than appointed before the election. Hopefully the electorate will surprise me in November.
Oh joy, a small vocal minority will get to control our destiny! I bet Kemper will be the first new board member appointed. At least University Link is under construction…probably hard to stop that one. Maybe the board should make their positions elected rather than appointed before the election. Hopefully the electorate will surprise me in November.

]]> By: Ben Schiendelman http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74169 Ben Schiendelman Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:23:19 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74169 Sure. She could delay them, or make decisions to undermine them, quite easily. All it would take to stop East Link would be for the board to determine the project is unfeasible based on, say, a very high valuation of I-90.
Sure. She could delay them, or make decisions to undermine them, quite easily. All it would take to stop East Link would be for the board to determine the project is unfeasible based on, say, a very high valuation of I-90.

]]> By: shotsix http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74168 shotsix Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:16:13 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74168 Even ST2 light rail plans...since the public gave it a big yes in the last election?
Even ST2 light rail plans…since the public gave it a big yes in the last election?

]]> By: Ben Schiendelman http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74165 Ben Schiendelman Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:00:38 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74165 Yes, the county executive appoints 10 of the 18 boardmembers, and if she can control them, she could stop light rail.
Yes, the county executive appoints 10 of the 18 boardmembers, and if she can control them, she could stop light rail.

]]> By: Martin H. Duke http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74155 Martin H. Duke Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:24:49 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74155 Guys, I explained the RapidRide payment system in detail here: http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/23/more-rapidride-details/
Guys,

I explained the RapidRide payment system in detail here:
http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/01/23/more-rapidride-details/

]]> By: Adam B. Parast http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74149 Adam B. Parast Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:22:41 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74149 Oran your a treasure chess of information.
Oran your a treasure chess of information.

]]> By: Adam B. Parast http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74148 Adam B. Parast Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:17:42 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74148 In interior bike rack takes up a lot of room, about 4 seats worth.
In interior bike rack takes up a lot of room, about 4 seats worth.

]]> By: Mike Skehan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74147 Mike Skehan Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:02:46 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74147 Also, having the stop on the 'near side' of the intersection forces drivers to go around the bus, then make a quick right turn in front of the stopped or just starting to go bus. Another bad reason for nearside stops is that it's confusing for right turn drivers. If they get caught behind the bus, that backs up traffic, eventually clogging the lanes for following buses, or the cars try to 'cut-in' front of other traffic to get around the bus. Far-side stops are much safer, using an extended green cue to get the bus through the intersection.
Also, having the stop on the ‘near side’ of the intersection forces drivers to go around the bus, then make a quick right turn in front of the stopped or just starting to go bus.
Another bad reason for nearside stops is that it’s confusing for right turn drivers. If they get caught behind the bus, that backs up traffic, eventually clogging the lanes for following buses, or the cars try to ‘cut-in’ front of other traffic to get around the bus.
Far-side stops are much safer, using an extended green cue to get the bus through the intersection.

]]> By: shotsix http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/10/16/designing-for-livability-liveblog-part-3/#comment-74105 shotsix Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:52:36 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=8667#comment-74105 Okay, I know this is probably not the place to post this...but, I just saw a Hutchinson tv spot and it basically scared the crap out of me. She said something like "I will only fund transportation projects that reduce congestion." Isn't that code for more roads and vanpools only? Not that her philosophy is breaking news... hella scary stuff to transit supporters with her "let them take cabs!" mentality. However, this is what I want to know: can the county executive change Sound Transit in a way that would realign its priorities or halt light rail expansion (even with it's passage in the last election)? I know that the executive can appoint members to the ST Board...but, if she did change it's composition, could they revisit already decided upon things? I live in King County and should never have to worry about these sort of things...maybe in the details of rail alignments, but not in the overall philosophy of government since this is one of the most progressive/liberal counties in the country. This effin sucks.
Okay, I know this is probably not the place to post this…but, I just saw a Hutchinson tv spot and it basically scared the crap out of me. She said something like “I will only fund transportation projects that reduce congestion.” Isn’t that code for more roads and vanpools only? Not that her philosophy is breaking news… hella scary stuff to transit supporters with her “let them take cabs!” mentality. However, this is what I want to know: can the county executive change Sound Transit in a way that would realign its priorities or halt light rail expansion (even with it’s passage in the last election)? I know that the executive can appoint members to the ST Board…but, if she did change it’s composition, could they revisit already decided upon things? I live in King County and should never have to worry about these sort of things…maybe in the details of rail alignments, but not in the overall philosophy of government since this is one of the most progressive/liberal counties in the country.

This effin sucks.

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