LETTER TO THE EDITOR | WSDOT should not influence Island Transit’s future

Published 5:49 pm Friday, June 19, 2015

Editor,

Allow me to understand the following: Ken Graska, interim director of Island Transit, has asked the Washington Department of Transporation (or WSDOT) to conduct an analysis in regard to Island Transit continuing with their current fare-free model. Lawmakers have passed a bill that would provide $1 million to the Everett Connector which would reinstate the route connecting Camano Island with Everett. This offer would require all Island Transit, including Whidbey Island to begin charging bus fares on all routes. This money would not benefit Whidbey Island one iota.

Ken Graska reached out to WSDOT to provide the survey as he did not want to be responsible nor did he want his name attached to this decision. He seemed to be very proud of the fact that he was clever enough to avoid making this decision. I would suggest that Ken Graska begin to look for a new job immediately as he is obviously not the person for this position. A director is hired to make tough decisions and to have his name attached to these decisions.

This decision should be made specially based on what is best for Whidbey Island. In order to avoid this decision making, he welcomed WSDOT to step in and provide the information to him. Evidently, he has not heard about WSDOT’s success at building the new Highway 520 bridge or the Seattle Tunnel Project. He should begin looking for a job that does not involve decision-making rather than depending on an incompetent state agency such as WSDOT for resolution. There are plenty of competent people who could easily fill his position.

The thought of WSDOT influencing what is best for Whidbey Island is incomprehensible. Island Transit has had more than their share of problems. Believe me, Island Transit does not need to be involved in WSDOT which I am sure would only add to this long list of problems.

MONICA SHULL

Greenbank