Sally Clark is a city council member? Huh, who knew? Summary: I’m too new on the council to have an original thought. (Probably pretty smart, actually, since the mayor has been known to eat new council members with original thoughts. For real. I heard that. Yeah.)

Hello,

Thank-you for writing to me with your input on the Alaska Way Viaduct. This issue has generated the most messages to the office, and I appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Council voted Friday, September 22 to recommend to the governor that the state replace the elevated viaduct with a tunnel. I believe that the cut-and-cover tunnel is the best answer to the safety, transportation and urban development problems posed by the current viaduct. It is the most expensive option (both options increased in cost as a result of budget reviews this past week), but the resulting improvements to Seattle’s urban core and traffic flow will make it worth the investment.

With regards to a public vote, I received a tremendous amout of input from many thoughtful people who care a great deal about Seattle’s future. I feel a public vote will be more appropriate when cost figures are clearer. As a reminder, the decision we took is advisory to Governor Gregoire and the State Legislature. It is my hope that they will proceed with design of the tunnel and that we will have a better, more informed discussion about the projects true costs and benefits in later 2007.

Again, thanks for writing to our office. I hope that you continue to share your comments and concerns with me.

Sincerely,

Sally J. Clark