Letter to the Editor: Prop. 1: A Goal Without a Plan is not a Basis for a Business Decision

To the editor:

A Proposition One debate took place at the 32^nd District Democrats meeting at the Masonic Lodge off Linden and NW 185^th Street in Shoreline last Wednesday night.

The scope of the debate could be summed up in an exchange that took place between two observers, Pat Weber, Precinct Committee Officer, and Mayor Keith McGlashan who recently joined the 32^nd District.

Listening to the debate Pat said, “Proposition one is like me buying a size six dress with no plan for diet or exercise and expecting to fit into it.”

McGlashan in good humor responded, “It’s a great goal!” to which Pat replied, “Yes but a goal without a plan is not a basis for a business decision.”

The “Goal without a plan” referred to statements made by John Behrens of Shoreline Citizens for Good Government recounting that the management “plan” consists of two ideas. One is to hire Seattle Public Utilities to continue to run the system after purchase, (Doesn’t that sound like we will be spending a lot of money to keep the status quo?) and the other is to hire two people to job shadow SPU for two years prior to the purchase.

After the debate the 32^nd District considered whether to endorse a position against or in support of Proposition One. The vote was 20 to 19 against Proposition One, however the bylaws require a 60 percent vote to endorse so the motion did not pass. 

Councilmember Will Hall spoke with all the passion and flair of a seasoned politician in favor of Proposition One equating it to making Shoreline a shining city unmatched by none. Though emotionally moving, just like the Proposition One itself, the speech lacked substance.

For more substance on the issue itself go to http://noblankcheck.nationbuilder.com

Wendy DiPeso

Shoreline Citizens for Good Government