Mayor's Letter to the Seattle Monorail Project Board

08/10/05

Dear Ms. Hill:

In the weeks that followed the release and rejection of the proposed finance plan for the Monorail, I asked Seattle citizens, and other observers, to give the Seattle Monorail Project (SMP) Board sufficient time to address the complex issues you face and the opportunity to restore public confidence. Now that the Board has embarked upon this effort, I would like to share my thoughts with you on the choices you face, the steps you must take, and the time frame for action.

First, I want to acknowledge the hard work that is already underway and the positive steps you have already taken. You have put all options on the table, sought help from outside experts, and your weekly Board meeting schedule acknowledges the urgent need for action.

In my view, the grassroots origins of the project, and record of public support in four citywide elections, require that the voters of Seattle decide the future of the Monorail project this November. While the problems are complex, the options available at this time are straightforward. Seattle voters can be asked to approve increased taxes to support completion of the entire project, or to approve a significantly reduced project scope.

If the SMP Board determines that neither of those options is viable, it can choose to end the project and dissolve the agency in an efficient manner that minimizes impacts to taxpayers.

Time is of the essence. The time frames in your agreement with Cascadia Monorail Company, the need to move forward with other transportation decisions in our city and region, and the concerns expressed by members of the Legislature all point to the need for a vote to take place this November.

I believe you can, and should, meet the time line necessary to give voters a choice.

I am requesting that you inform the city how you intend to proceed with the project no later than September 15. While I respect the Board's independent authority to make these decisions, I am extremely concerned that continued uncertainty as to the future of the monorail will undermine public confidence for all our city's transportation priorities and place an undue burden on Seattle taxpayers. If the SMP Board is unable to take decisive action the City of Seatlle will have to independently determine if continuation of the monorail project is in the best interests of our city.

Thank you for your continued diligence during this trying time in the life of the project. I look forward to hearing from you on these matters.

Sincerely,

GREG NICKELS
Mayor