The second Narrows Bridge is just the first new toll facility approved. The state will build more. There is no other way to accomplish the many mega projects in the Puget Sound region. The existing Narrows Bridge was paid for by tolls, as were 13 other bridges in Washington.

The lawsuits against the project have only driven up the cost through court battles and delays. Absent the lawsuits, the second Narrows Bridge’s cost could be half done by now at yesterday’s prices. Each month the project was delayed by lawsuits, the cost went up about $3 million.

Transportation is the single most important factor in Washington’s economic rebound. If we don’t address the many Puget Sound bottlenecks like the Narrows Bridge, we will lose many of the jobs we have today and never get the jobs we could have tomorrow.

I worked with Senator Bob Oke and it was a long and arduous task getting legislators from all over the state to support a new bridge for our community with so many needs in their own districts.

Bob Oke is one of the most courageous and honorable men I know. Legislators from all parts of the state and from both parties respect him. Bob Oke gets things done.

Bob Oke knows the full range of issues that the Legislature faces each year. His work has been honored by organizations representing children, veterans, sportsmen, small businesses, farm families and natural resources. And the Legislature will never again see anyone so dedicated to stopping youth access to tobacco as Bob Oke.

Bob Oke is a good man with a good grasp on all the issues. He has good old-fashioned common sense and the not so common vision that makes him a leader.

Senator Tim Sheldon
Democrat, 35th District.