League of Women Voters now neutral on monorail

Thursday, October 10, 2002

By KERY MURAKAMI
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Two months ago, the monorail plan seemed like a no-brainer to the League of Women Voters in Seattle. But in a highly unusual move, the well-respected organization has decided to retract its endorsement and take a neutral stance.

More coverage
· Latest headlines
· Latest results

At first, league co-president Betty Sullivan said the group's board members were moved by the now well-known pitch by monorail supporters.

"It's going to do a lot for transportation, monorails don't get stuck in traffic, all the typical reasons," Sullivan said.

But when the group took its stance on Aug. 3, Sullivan said opponents hadn't organized and raised concerns about the $1.75 billion plan to build a 14-mile line from West Seattle to Ballard. Over the past couple of months, Sullivan said board members thought through the proposal and that "there was a gradual raising of doubts."

"One big concern is the cost -- $1.75 billion for just one line," Sullivan said.

"I think some sticker shock set in," Sullivan said. "In this city, we're not used to thinking about billions of dollars. It doesn't seem like the right time now that the economy of the region is depressed."

Henry Aronson, leader of the Citizens Against the Monorail campaign, said the switch by the league shows the plan does not hold up under scrutiny.

"We're confident as people and groups learn more about this they'll come to the same conclusion -- this plan is not good for this city or the region."

Monorail campaign chairman Peter Sherwin said: "Everybody's entitled to their opinion."

Sherwin said neither the supporters nor the opponents had a chance to address the league's board. Had they been given the chance, Sherwin said supporters would have argued the monorail offers the biggest bang for the buck.

He said the King County Democratic Party, Washington Conservation Voters, Mayor Greg Nickels and former Govs. Albert Rosellini and Dan Evans still back the plan.

The change may lead to some confusion. The campaigns have already submitted their voters pamphlet statements, with supporters listing the league's endorsement.

Sullivan acknowledged the shift was embarrassing, and that some board members agreed changing course would make the league look bad.

P-I reporter Kery Murakami can be reached at 206-448-8131 or kerymurakami@seattlepi.com

Add P-I transportation headlines to