Let’s see, isn’t this the party that calls itself the friend of labor? Aren’t they the party of living wage jobs? Am I wrong in thinking that a project such as this would provide thousands of living wage jobs to union members in the building trades? Would not this project create many more jobs for those suppliers to the project? How about all of the entrepreneurs who would welcome the opportunity to open new businesses to service the workers on this project? How many lunch wagons will show up to sell their wares? How about the local tire shops that would service the motorhomes coming to the track or the service stations and restaurants along I 5 that would benefit from this development project?

I’ve attended some hearings in Olympia where legislators have voiced the mantra that creating jobs is their number one priority. I’m not sure if the above mentioned resolution is a result of hypocrisy, schizophrenia or tone deaf politics, but it flies in the face of reason. If this opposition wins the day we will see thousands of jobs lost. I would like to be there when legislators explain to the trades people how those jobs got away.

These same legislators are also busy spending large sums of public money on grants, tax breaks and other inducements for economic growth all around the state. They will be asked to subsidize to the tune of 200 million dollars the upgrading of Key Arena. All of that money for a profit making enterprise. Why not the proposed speedway in Kitsap County? Are we not worthy of consideration for economic development or is development confined to the I 5 corridor?

Fran Moyer, chairwoman of the 35th Legislative District Democrats, is quoted as saying, “If you have a racetrack that size out by SKIA, then you may not be able to bring in the high-tech businesses that are planned.” Do you think Fran Moyer could identify for us those high tech businesses that are planning to move into SKIA? The article also states that, “A resolution approved by the state Democratic Central Committee presumes that the racetrack would require bonding by the state, thus reducing the bonding potential for other public projects.” What are those projects? I think it important to know in order to make informed decisions.

What am I missing here? Those of you in the building trades, both union and contractors, need to take a careful look at who you support politically. If this is how they repay you for your support you need to look elsewhere when election time comes in November.

Dick Davis
Port Orchard