Gregoire's pragmatic punt

In a perfect world, Gov. Christine Gregoire would come out forcefully and select the most reasonable choice for replacing the damaged and dangerous Alaskan Way Viaduct: an aerial rebuild.

But her decision to let Seattle voters decide between a rebuild and a much-more-costly tunnel in a public election in early 2007 is a rational second choice and, in a way, a very practical decision. A first reaction to her call for voters to select the replacement option is that the governor, staring at one of the most-important decisions of her career, punted. On further reflection, her approach is more pragmatic because it appoints an even more powerful entity, the voters, as decision-makers.

If she had picked either option, the heavy lineup of politicians on both sides, and their weapons of choice — permit challenges and legislation — would leave the vulnerable roadway in place. The one thing our region cannot do is allow this project to languish because of dithering and dispute.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and seven members of the Seattle City Council, who favor a tunnel, would find ways to block a rebuild through permitting challenges. Nickels, in essence, told the governor that would happen. The only thing that might change that response is a vote of the people. Similarly, if leaders of the Legislature — House Speaker Frank Chopp and House budget writer Helen Sommers, who adamantly favor a rebuild — plan to block the tunnel legislatively, the only thing that might sway them is a public vote.

The governor made two important findings: There is sufficient money for a rebuild and there is not enough for a tunnel. The state has already pledged about $2 billion to a rebuild expected to cost $2.8 billion. The state should pay to restore the road and existing capacity. If Seattle voters favor a tunnel, they have to pay for it through higher taxes and fees.

The governor said it would do her no good to order a rebuild if the city is going to block the project.

"We are at a political stalemate and must find a path forward to replace the viaduct," Gregoire said. "I don't believe that without a vote, either option will move forward."

The mayor and council have themselves to blame for the newest call for a public vote. The 2006 legislation authorized a public vote, an idea that was always preferable. In a moment of foolish hubris, the council opted to bypass voters.

Let the campaign for the tunnel and the rebuild begin. Include real estimates and identify where the money will come from. Our region has to get moving on this important project.