| Some people are whining about naming the Tacoma Narrows Bridge after the late Senator Bob Oke, while others, like Representatives Larry Seaquist and Pat Lantz, have been absolutely shameful in their vitrolic disrespect. So I’d like to add my two cents worth to the discussion.
I voted against the bridge and am not happy that we’re paying a toll to cross it. I believe for the taxes we pay in this state, it should be free. That said, after spending literally years stuck in traffic, $4 is a small price to pay for the convenience of being able to get where I need to go, when I need to get there.
The late Senator Oke understood the long-term need for the second bridge. He worked hard to not have a toll. But when Gov. Gary Locke told him it was a toll bridge or no bridge, he knew he had a difficult choice he had to make, and either one would anger people who voted for him. We’re lucky he had the courage to stand up and work for what was the greater good.
Naming the bridge for the late Senator Oke is the very least we can do to honor a leader with the courage of his convictions.
Aaron Christensen
Gig Harbor
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