Perhaps Mercer Islanders are wondering how the I-90 Tolling Nightmare began.
Back in November 2008 - some 5 years ago - the JCC held an Open House on 520 Tolling.
The meeting was attended by Mercer Island State Representative Judy Clibborn. I took the opportunity to ask Ms. Clibborn if she supported the “No Toll On I-90” petition.
Ms. Clibborn’s answer was, “I introduced the bill.” I had no idea what Ms. Clibborn was talking about, but I assumed she had introduced a bill to exempt Mercer Island from any toll.
But just to make sure, I found the bill she introduced — House Bill 3096:
“Introduced by Rep. Judy Clibborn, (D-Mercer Island) on Jan. 22, 2008, to provide for tolling of state route number 520 and to seek advice from the Federal Highway Administration on the necessary process to collect tolls on the Interstate 90 floating bridge.”
So, much to my surprise, “our representative” Judy Clibborn introduced the bill to toll I-90, thus creating the nightmare scenario that Mercer Islanders now face!
Shame on her.
Let's all remember this betrayal when she runs for re-election (if she dares!)
Claus V. Jensen