Democracy for Vancouver

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The Columbian has an interesting article about Joseph James today, candidate for State Representative in the 17th Legislative District (East Vancouver). Apparently James has indicated in his campaign positions that “Only 3 percent of us use mass transit, yet over 90 percent of transportation funds go toward mass transit. It’s obvious that the priorities be shifted to improving the many roads and highways that need to be upgraded and expanded.”

“It’s obvious” you say.  My dad always used to advise me that when someone says something is obvious, it is very often because they are lying.  The article goes on to indicate that James relied on a consultant for this statement, a consultant who also apparently advises Senator Benton on such matters.

It seems to me that when you make what appears to be a factual statement, you should check those facts before you make it a part of your official campaign materials.  Especially if the fact seems rather incredible on its face.

I did a quick check of the WSDOT records and came up with this link regarding the sources and uses of funds for transportation.  Since the numbers are not strictly broken out by mass transit and other uses, one cannot tell exactly how much is spent on mass transit.  Without going into the details but guesstimating from these numbers, it looks like the figure is somewhere around 20% or so.  And it is a giant leap from 20% to 90%.

Check the link yourself and try to see how it could be possible no matter how you add up the numbers to get anywhere even close to 90%.

Is someone playing this loose with the facts to make his arguments really someone qualified to represent us in Olympia?  And the fact that he relied on Don Benton’s consultant makes you wonder about whether the 17th LD Senator is also relying on misinformation for his campaign rhetoric.

Luckily we have two people running in the 17th LD who are qualified and competent, Probst and Carrier.

Update:  Just noticed this post on the same subject over at Politics is a blood sport.