| I visited our state capitol on Jan. 9 with a contingent of Realtors from Kitsap County. This marked the first legislative day, and we had a chance to meet with the representatives of the 3 districts that cover our area.
Our state association wants us to look at the impacts legislation will have on our community and our overall quality of life. This is a refreshing, positive way to approach the problems we face. What makes up quality of life?
Efficient transportation affordable housing, good education, a healthy environment with recreation and entertainment opportunities. I left out the most important item — a sound economy — one that provides living wage employment for our entry level citizens. Without adequate income, the above amenities lose their attraction in a hurry.
Kitsap County is now the second most densely populated county in the state. We are suffering from an ailing economy due to reduction in defense spending and from worsening traffic problems. Getting to and from Kitsap is more difficult and expensive. The ferry system problems are well known. The flail over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge also causes us to want to shy away from this emotionally charged subject.
How does the Narrows choke point impact Kitsap? The many who commute to work every day will tell that it effects their quality of life a lot. How about us lucky ones that make a living here? Nearly all our consumables come by truck across the bridge or the long way through Shelton. We aren’t attracting private capital and employment because of our isolation. Some of our neighbors in Gig Harbor seem to think the bridge belongs to them.
The bridge is becoming a safety concern as well. Too much traffic, little margin for error with nine-foot lanes, and strong cross winds. There have been too many fatalities and some close calls on serious , long-lasting blockages. A propane truck tipped over, but didn’t leak. An explosion could have closed the bridge for some time.
Our legislators exhibit anxiety over the bridge and ferry issues. Our voting citizens have expressed so much resistance to any effort to fix these items that I get the feeling there wasn’t much hope the funds would be found to cure our ailments.,
It is time we stopped the sniping and provided our representatives with some support. Or do we want to wait until our economy is dead? It’s our quality of life.
Mark Williamson
Port Orchard. | 