The M~Theory blog looks across the landscape of political and social issues and examines how they impact Bellevue, our region and beyond. It's namesake is the theory that unifies the five superstring theories, providing us with answers to our universe's oldest riddles.
I have to admit that I cringed a little on Saturday morning when I read that a developer was taking legal action to block light rail from using the express lanes on the I-90 bridge. First, as a mediator, I could not help but wonder if there was a better way to resolve this issue than to bring it to court. I much prefer conducting discussions with an eye toward reducing conflict. This way both parties can play a role in reaching an acceptable agreement.
Second, I began to wonder why Bellevue is in this never-ending struggle to agree on an integrated, multi-modal transportation strategy that would serve the future needs of our city and region? With our region’s population predicted to nearly double by 2040 (for a great PSRC presentation click here), do we really think that all these people will be able to get around Bellevue using only cars and roads? I already have friends who no longer go to Bellevue Square because of the traffic. I can’t imagine what it will be like when we grow by 1.4 million more people in King County. This strategy must be mutually beneficial to Bellevue and to those who come here each day to work, live and play. That means connecting with Seattle as well as Everett, Issaquah, Redmond and other key population areas.
But the issue of most concern with residents I have spoken with is the affect more cars have on the safety and integrity of our neighborhoods. Like many others, my wife and I are looking to build a life in Bellevue for our family. And with three children under the age of five I am concerned that our neighborhood streets are becoming major thoroughfares. This was not their intent. Having lived on both ends of 108th, first up on NE 17th street and now down in Enatai, I have watched firsthand how this particular road - from Enatai through Surrey Downs to downtown - has become a main arterial for people trying to bypass 520, 405, I-90 and Bellevue Way. And what is also happening to 108th is happening to roads in many other neighborhoods. We have to reduce the number of cars that are on our roads.
It is hard to believe that our city has been grappling with the issue of light rail for close to two decades. I pledge to be a city council member that brings the respective parties to the table, helps resolve these critical transportation issues, and enables us to move forward. Let’s face it – it’s time we get this done. We need other means of transportation. We need light rail. And it needs to be part of a comprehensive strategy, that includes bus, bicycle and pedestrian mobility that benefits Bellevue and connects with the region.
We all just want to get around. But it is time to realize that it can’t just be in our cars on our roads.
mmarchand Michael Marchand has spent more than 20 years working on behalf of governments and government agencies, Fortune 100 corporations and nonprofit organizations in the areas of public affairs, advocacy, policy enagement, regulatory affairs, issues positioning and public relations. He has served in senior-level roles for Microsoft Corporation, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the honorable Gov. Gary Locke and has worked on behalf of clients including MasterCard, American Express, Ernst & Young, Prudential Securities, Lucent Technologies, and both NBC and CBS television networks. Marchand received a bachelor of arts degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., and is a CDC-trained expert in crisis, emergency and risk communications, and is a skilled mediator. He currently resides in Bellevue with his wife, Beth, their three kids and two dogs.
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