| The embittered ancient scribe aka Adele Ferguson picked an unlikely target for her most recent edition of rant and rave. In the April 2002 Kitsap Business Journal, Ms. Ferguson mistakenly alleges that House Speaker Frank Chopp had created mutiny within the ranks of his Democratic caucus. Pure poppycock. Plain and simple.
Wasn’t this the same Speaker Chopp that was presented an honorary game ball (actually a football) signed by all 49 members of his caucus in honor and tribute for his successful and remarkably efficient 2002 legislative session? If this was tantamount to “mutiny”, I suggest Ms. Ferguson consult her dictionary.
Speaker Chopp’s hard-fought victory in securing that the second Tacoma Narrows span will be financed by state bonding will save taxpayers, conservatively $400 million and upwards of $700 million. Kitsap County residents were well represented by Frank Chopp, not Senator Mary Margaret Haugen. As Ms. Ferguson should know, this was the same Mary Margaret Haugen that vainly attempted to stick Tacoma Narrows toll payers an additional $150 million. It was Speaker Chopp who was personally responsible for thwarting Haugen’s scheme.
Speaker Chopp should be given the lion’s share of credit for ensuring that the legislative session was completed in 60 days. Frank Chopp was also correct in his insistence that the transportation revenue bill go to the ballot. The majority of citizens want to have a direct say in the outcome of a measure of this magnitude.
And lastly, Ms. Ferguson’s prediction that the 9 cents a gallon increase won’t fly because the $30 car tab fee did, is faulty. The voters were offended by not having a say on the former exorbitant car tab fee, and thus embraced the Eyman initiative. The voters will embrace the opportunity to have a say on the gas increase referendum in November and will show their appreciation by passing it. Adele Ferguson will again be proven wrong and Speaker Frank Chopp will be proven to have done the right thing.
Alan Martin
Manette. | 