As much as we West Seattleites hate to admit it, the viaduct must be replaced. And when it comes to the pain of the commute, many of us remember what it was like while the West Seattle Bridge was being replaced.

The engineers tell us retrofitting is out. And while they have known this for years, it hasn't discouraged city planners, politicians, and developers from promoting growth. Growth is good, goes their illogical refrain. Bring'em in, more people, more condos, more cars clogging the streets. They have delayed or abandoned plans for mass transportation, but no matter, growth brings revenue. Short sighted as a WAMU executive, these pro-growth nitwits have created the quagmire we now inhabit.

Emmitt Watson, whose regular columns in the P.I. calling for a "Lesser Seattle" is probably turning over in his grave. Or perhaps he's laughing.

One positive outcome of the current economic crisis could be all these condos they're building sitting empty.

Chris Anderson

Fauntleroy