The Olympian ran a story on Sen. Fraiser's bills today, 4 days after Emmett broke the story here. In all fairness the Olympian's article is well written and contains quotes from a half dozen interested parties but I bet it was Emmett's initial post that sent Brad Shannon and Matt Batcheldor scurrying to the phones.

Olympia exists because we are the seat of State government. Nothing of consequence is over in this town until the 10,000lb elephant trumpets. Every so often the Legislature likes to remind us Olympians, so humble in our perfection, of the facts.

This latest twist should come as no great suprise as Karen, Sam and Brenden have been politely broadcasting their reservations throughout the debate on the rezone.

And now more prophecy:

• The city council, the Olympian editorial board and Triways will scream and squawk the Ledgie's unilateral action is the greatest injustice in the course of human history and predict no less than the end of Capitalism and Democracy. After ventilating for a week, all will go back about their business.
• Berd will author a paean to the wisdom of Sen. Fraiser and Sen. Swecker. He will be embarrassed on learning more about Sen Swecker's record but keep it to himself.
• My good friend Mr. Stroble will have a few sharp observations as well.

It's interesting that it not only limits heights to 35 feet on new buildings, but remodeled buildings as well. What does that say about the future of the Capitol Center Building?

I hope these bills pass, they would make the likelihood of creating a park on Cheetwoot all the more likely.

It's getting pretty late for a bill to be introduced and still have a good chance of passing, but I think you all could get this done. If a bunch of Olympians met with legislators, and if Ralph Munro and the ex-governors join in, one of those bills (probably 5799) could have a good shot. The key is to get it scheduled for a public hearing within the next couple weeks. Senator Fairley chairs the Government Operations & Elections Committee, which is probably where 5799 will get assigned. She'd probably be pretty easy to convince to give it a hearing, then everyone who showed up at the planning commission and council meetings could pack the hearing room... This could be interesting... And has anyone talked to Sam Hunt about sponsoring a companion measure in the House?

Another reminder Oly really belongs to the whole state. If you want to be the Cap City, then there are sacrifices. I'm sure Ellensburg would love to pick up the torch if you guys are not up to it. Frankly, E-Burg makes more sense as a center of government to me.

Maybe the time has come for pro-park and pro-highrise folks to reconsider my compromise idea? Yeah, I know, I'm an eccentric nut. But I still like this concept of a pedestrian-only core as something that will help revitalize downtown Oly businesses and keep the isthmus clear of Babbitt Towers.

When I originally asked people to brainstorm, I was met with why it couldn't be done-- which sort of kills the idea of brainstorming. But I don't accept that kind of defeatism. My idea will work. It deserves serious consideration. 

 

It's in the form of the million and millions in wages paid to state workers living in Olympia and Thurston county.

The less snarky answer is something Oly2012 suggested, a Capital City District.It would return a portion of the state sales tax infrastructure spending.

And the snarkyest answer of all is of course turn Olympia into a petting zoo. 

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