From the ashes of Proposition 1

In the end, it isn't that regionalism is dead or that "this is a region that simply cannot get its act together on transportation," as the popular refrain goes.

In the end, Proposition 1 was just too big and complicated, all for the enormous sum of $18 billion. A new proposal will rise from the ashes of this behemoth, which grew beyond the average citizen's comprehension.

Light rail to Tacoma when there are other good options? At what cost? You've got to be kidding.

After all the clever TV ads and cries for the region to take the plunge, voters are sensible people. When in doubt, you don't sign on the dotted line for billions to be collected over many generations.

Voters were asked to approve a major expansion of light rail before a single rider boarded an existing Sound Transit light-rail car. Big projects have to earn respect.

The next step — and everyone knows there will be a next step — is for the Legislature and local and state officials to start talking about something smaller.

Maybe we should try a version of congestion pricing that will actually change commuters' behavior. Maybe we should toll certain roads to collect more from users.

If anything, voters are saying they feel the rising cost of living in this area and the spending has to stop somewhere. Affordability and price matter.

And there was no there, there — no one actually responsible for the projects if something went south.

Who could name the head of the clunkily named Regional Transportation Investment District, or RTID? Why would any of us vote for this if the executive of the largest county, Ron Sims of King County, didn't support it? What did he know?

This did not turn out to be a transit-versus-roads equation. Sure, zealots on both sides helped kill the plan. Early returns show more-road-dependent Pierce and Snohomish counties more vehement in their opposition than King County, but not by much.

The proposal was rejected because it reached too far. Come back with something simpler, more manageable and with a more fathomable price tag.