Jayne: Resolutely in favor of replacing Interstate 5 Bridge

Such an undertaking can be complex, the kind of thing that requires help from that font of all information and misinformation, the internet, and I managed to find a primer for writing a resolution. Among the guidelines: “Please note that SHORTER IS BETTER in a resolution. If it’s too long, few people will read it.”

Good advice; not that you will read this anyway. But perhaps then-Councilor David Madore should have heeded that wisdom before leading the county in approving an “integrity resolution” in 2013. As The Columbian reported at the time: “It contains 31 ‘whereas’ statements that refer to a second document of 97 references linking mostly to government websites. Also in the references are four links to videos starring Madore that were produced by Madore’s media company.”

Let us be resolved

While we resolve to leave Madore’s media company out of this resolution, we do have some thoughts about the Interstate 5 Bridge. Such as:

Whereas we have enough time to take a nap while waiting to cross the bridge; be it resolved that government officials in Washington and Oregon must make replacement a top priority.

Whereas the bridge must be replaced; be it resolved that this means you, Gov. Jay Inslee, and Southwest Washington representatives in the Legislature.

Whereas we have the utmost respect for Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas; be it resolved that her retirement from the Legislature this year increases the chances of local politicians working together to find a solution, and that nobody in Olympia misses Don Benton.

Whereas local politicians can work together; be it resolved that nothing will happen unless taxpayers come to a consensus.

Whereas Clark County voters have rejected light rail multiple times; be it resolved that bridge planners should heed the will of the people until they can demonstrate that public opinion has shifted in favor of light rail.

Whereas building a bridge will not relieve congestion unless Oregon leaders add lanes to the freeway and fix the bottleneck at the Rose Quarter area; be it resolved that Oregon should add lanes to the freeway and fix the bottleneck at the Rose Quarter.

Whereas a bridge will cost billions of dollars; be it resolved that Clark County residents understand that tolls will be required.

Whereas the Columbia River Crossing proposal was too low for river traffic and too high for air traffic at nearby Pearson Field; be it resolved that the airfield should be moved or closed instead of stifling infrastructure that serves about 130,000 vehicles a day.

Whereas Pearson is a much-loved piece of Vancouver’s history, at least in some circles; be it resolved that I got your attention with that last one.

Whereas the CRC created as many problems as it fixed; be it resolved that any proposal requiring mitigation payments to upstream manufacturers is an abject failure.

Whereas a new I-5 Bridge and improved transit throughout the region will be essential to the economy for generations to come; now, therefore, be it resolved that we need to get this done.