5th September 2010

Dear Supporter,

Transportation is a topic that intersects with many other important policy issues in our region.  Growth management, global warming, the health of Puget Sound, freight mobility and economic prosperity are all closely linked to how we invest and manage our transportation system.  Further, when you consider that the four county region of King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties is projected to grow by 1.7 million people over the next 30 years, it becomes evident that thoughtful planning and strategic investments in our transportation infrastructure are needed NOW if we want to maintain our quality of life.  The decisions we make (or don't make) today, will impact our local neighborhoods and our entire state for generations to come.  Here are a few items for you to consider as you think about mobility in our region and who you want to have representing you in Olympia...

Increase Capacity by Investing in Mass Transit Options!  While Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi wants a monster 8 lane bridge to replace the existing 520 bridge and more single-passenger car highways throughout the region, I do NOT believe that we can build our way out of gridlock.  King County Metro Transit serves an annual ridership of 100 million--and there is still unmet demand in several areas.  Sound Transit Link Light Rail is scheduled to begin operations in 2009 and discussions are underway for further expansion.  As your State Representative I will work with my colleagues to increase state funding and local funding options for Metro Transit and Sound Transit.  I support extending Sound Transit Light Rail to Northgate and across Lake Washington--both to help relieve congestion and to provide more transit options.  If we hope to accommodate the population growth of the coming decades we must invest in mass transit options today!

Let's Protect our Environment with Smart Transportation Investments and Policies!  In addition to investments that will increase our capacity, we must re-think our transportation policies in order to preserve our natural environment.  It is estimated that almost 50% of our state's greenhouse-gas emissions that contribute to global warming come directly from transportation.  Further, millions of gallons of petroleum based pollution flows into our streams, rivers and Puget Sound via surface water runoff after rains!  As your State Representative, I will work for more incentives for the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles--just like the one our family drives!  I will support variable tolling and congestion pricing that will help get people out of their cars and help fund transportation investments.  I will also work for incentives to create more Transit Oriented Development that will increase housing options near transit centers to assist with our growth management goals and affordable housing demands.

Transportation Leaders and Activists Support Scott!  I have strong support from our local community leaders, including sole endorsements from our entire 46th LD delegation of Senator Ken Jacobsen, Representative Phyllis Kenney and Representative Jim McIntire.  I am honored to have the endorsement of statewide and regional transportation leaders such as Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, King County Executive Ron Sims, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, King County Councilmember Dow Constantine and Seattle City Councilmember Jan Drago.  I am especially proud to have the endorsement of local transportation activists Virginia Gunby and Jorgen Bader, who are representing the north Seattle neighborhoods in the fight to negotiate a solution to replace the 520 bridge that improves capacity while protecting the integrity of our neighborhoods and the arboretum!

Take Action!  Learn more about your options for getting around the region without a car.  Also, learn about major policy and advocacy efforts underway related to transportation.
    Hop on the bus!  Plan a trip on Metro Transit  >>
    Take the train!  Learn more about Sound Transit  >>
    Ride your bike!  Check out the Cascade Bicycle Club  >>
    Transportation Choices: Getting Washington Moving Again  >>
    Climate Solutions:  Practical Solutions to Global Warming  >>
    Learn about the effort to replace the 520 bridge  >>

Thank you!  Our grassroots campaign has an important message to get out to the voters of the 46th legislative district--a message about local, community values, and a proven record of policy leadership and public service.  We need volunteers who are willing to host a coffee hour to introduce me to your neighbors, to post a campaign sign in your yard, to join me for some doorbelling, to help with a mailing party, and other opportunities.  Please sign-up to volunteer on the website today!  Also, please consider making a contribution--you can make a secure donation online at my website!

Thank you so much for your interest and support in our campaign to elect new leadership to represent north Seattle in the State Legislature.  Again, if you have any questions about my campaign, please contact me directly at scott.white46@comcast.net or by phone at 206-310-7970.

I look forward to working with you and representing you in Olympia!

PS -- SAVE THE DATE!  46th LD Senator Ken Jacobsen, Representative Phyllis Kenney and Representative Jim McIntire invite you and your family to attend my Campaign Kickoff on Saturday, May 10th at Meadowbrook Community Center.  View the invitation >>

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