By Gwen Davis
Special to the Highline Times

“One of the things going on in Olympia is the transportation package for 2013 that will support a wide variety of transportation projects,” said SeaTac Mayor Tony Anderson. “It will support projects necessary in our state to maintain our quality of life and support our jobs.”

On May 28, during the SeaTac city council meeting, councilmembers discussed how vital it is that the state-wide transportation package passes in the state legislature, while also acknowledging that SeaTac will benefit more than most cities from the package.

Freight and cargo coming in and out of the Port of Seattle needs better infrastructure, city councilmembers said. As it is, some products made in Washington are being transported to California because California’s ports are more cost-effective.

“There’s something wrong with that,” Anderson said.
Additionally, the package will reduce I-5 traffic by at least 15 percent, he said. The package will create 100,000 construction jobs, with 19,000 permanent jobs.

“It’s a 5 to 1 payback ratio,” Anderson said. “Right now, with bridges falling down, the need for this package is extremely critical. Most of the other cities in the area have passed a resolution in support for this package.”

Furthermore, Councilmember Barry Ladenburg said key groups of SeaTac residents support the measure.

“I know the business community wants this,” he said. “They want transportation because it will help their business.”

However, Councilmember Rick Forschler said the package will also help Washington be more competitive.

“We’re trying to compete on a national scale with other states,” he said. “This makes our produce in Washington more productive. We’re becoming more competitive and helping neighboring states.”
The Deputy Mayor Mia Gregerson pointed out how this package has councilmembers and lawmakers “working across the aisle” which is encouraging.

“These reforms that legislators are discussing and are moving forward, I think is a great example of how legislation can create change on the federal level.”

The mayor encouraged councilmembers and residents of SeaTac to go to Olympia to provide testimony on how badly this package is needed.

“Renton, Shoreline, Kent and Kenmore have resolutions written,” said Councilmember Pam Fernald. “I don’t usually think we should do what everyone else does, but in this case, I do.”

The meeting also provided the opportunity for the council to approve vouchers, including electronic fund transfers. They were all approved.

However, discussion of renewal of membership to the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) - that provides assistance to local, national and regional governments to develop environment sustainability - began again.

Last May, SeaTac residents testified to the council that councilmembers were violating their oath of office, committing acts of treason, engaging in a global conspiracy and disregarding the U.S. and state constitution.

“I remember that clearly – it was the most people signed up to speak in the history of the city over whether global warming existed,” the mayor said. “It was an interesting conversation, and I was listening mostly until one of the speakers said they were going to prosecute me for treason if I supported this.”

“I can listen to reason and can be persuaded but I can’t be bullied into threats of treason and federal prosecution. I thought that was too far out for me so that changed my vote.”

The mayor said membership in ICLEI is used to maintain city
sustainability by procuring grants from the federal government.
Membership costs the city $600 a year.

“I suspect we have more than $600 worth of grants, supported by our membership in ICLEI that we may not have gotten originally.”
Councilmembers Rick Forschler and Barry Ladenburg spoke against renewal of membership.

“It really started from an ordinance in 2007,” Forschler said. “Folks who came a year ago, spoke out against why should we be supporting ICLEI, and they were requested us not to support it. And since that time, I’m aware there are other communities who chose not to renew membership with ICLEI. I would like vote against it and would encourage other councilmembers to do so also.”

However, the motion for renewal of membership passed.

Also during the meeting, new city employees were introduced. New police chief Lisa Mulligan was introduced, along with Meghan McKnight, the new code compliance coordinator and Frieda Cramer, the new records management coordinator.