Dear Friends and Neighbors,
A big thank you to everyone who took part in the telephone town hall last week. At its 
peak more than 950 people were on the call.
We had a lively, thoughtful discussion -- and it was abundantly clear what issue concerns you the most: transportation. The vast majority of your calls were transportation-related.
What I learned from your questions and comments was that you strongly support improvements to our local roads, but you also want reforms to our transportation system to make sure your tax dollars are being spent wisely.
There were three poll questions during the telephone town hall. Here are the results:
- Do you support changing the carpool rules on I-405 to require three riders instead of two for peak hours, and HOV lane tolls of up to $10 each way? Yes: 2.6%; No: 97.4%
- Do you support additional general purpose lanes on Highway 9, I-405 and I-5? Yes: 85%; No: 15%
- Do you support the additional sales tax, property tax and car tab increases that Sound Transit is proposing to build light rail into Snohomish County? Yes: 32.6%; No: 67.4%
Finally, you may have heard that a transportation funding plan has been introduced in the state Senate. It includes an 11.7 cent per-gallon gas tax increase. If it passes the Senate, we'll take it up in the House Transportation Committee. I have many questions about the plan, most importantly if its reforms are meaningful enough to justify so large a tax hike.
Please let me know what you think -- about transportation, or any other issue. My Legislative Aide, Cami, and I are happy to take your comments, questions and concerns.
Sincerely,
Mark Harmsworth
44th Legislative District
(360) 786-7892 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
