When is the bullet train arriving? Never, you say?
Happening in Olympia
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell and Republican challenger Susan Hutchison sparred over tax cuts, North Korea, and Trump Administration trade policies in a Monday afternoon debate. Cantwell said state cherry growers have lost tens of millions of dollars thanks to Trump’s tariffs battle with China, and apple growers are next to be hit. Hutchison argued the tariffs are causing short-term pain for long-term gain. (Tacoma News Tribune)
Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia are scratching out a useless plan for a bullet train that will never be built. The plan for passenger service by bullet train between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, B.C., aims at a total trip time of about two hours. A report by the state Department of Transportation said the train could cost up to $40 billion to build. (Tacoma News Tribune)
Western Washington
Uber says it supports tolling Seattle streets and is planning to lobby the city to institute congestion pricing. The effort is part of Uber’s $10 million push for “sustainable mobility” policies in various cities. Mayor Jenny Durkan’s office is working to develop a proposal for what tolling downtown streets in Seattle would look like. (Seattle Times)
King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht is working to tackle the growing gang problem in the county. The two-year county budget includes $850,000 for a gang unit. “We’re just trying to keep our head above water, which is really why I really like the fact that we’ve got at least the groundwork for a gang unit,” Johanknecht said. (My Northwest)
Eastern Washington
Tom Taylor, a political newcomer, was prompted to challenge liberal state Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) for an unusual reason. Riccelli, who is the favorite in the downtown Spokane-centered 3rdDistrict, blocked Taylor on Facebook earlier this year. (Spokesman Review)
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