Remembeer that what goes on in the world markets such as the oil market is out of our control here in our state. Oil prices get the publicity but steel is another example of soaring commodity prices mostly due to the Chinese economy buy up raw materials at a record pace along with a couple of other emerging economies. We are pretty powerless to control that other than to blame Bush for it.

Let's just say that the 9 cent increase in our state tax on gas puts us near the top in taxation and we are still near the bottom in the quality of our roads. It isn't the money it is how the money is squandered that is at issue.

The way we spend money on transportation and the way we waste it is something we the people can try to do something about. The gas tax increase law has a provision in it to prevent a referendum by the people. That way they think they can spend money with abandon with no accountability.

I think removing the viaduct would clean up the waterfront and be a great improvement. The problem I would have is if it is done so the land made available can be covered in more condos that cost over $1 million each. Big parks without drunks sleeping in them would be nice. With our current county and city government I'm afraid such parks would be filled with tent cities for the homeless and $600,000 toilets for the drunks.

We waste too much money here in Washington and there is no accountability. That is probably why we use the intitiative process so often.