Time To Outlaw Studded Tires?

Don’t be surprised if studded tires are an issue in the Washington Legislature again next year.

The popular traction devices are getting part of the blame for the rapid deterioration of asphalt that was laid only four years ago on Interstate 90 in the Spokane Valley.

Now, premature resurfacing work is going to cost taxpayers about $1.3 million because a more porous type of asphalt, specified by the state, lasted only half as long as expected.

So-called “open-grade” asphalt no longer is used on state highways. But if enough blame can be pinned on studded tires to persuade the Legislature to ban them, plenty of unfriendly state officials have no farther to go than their file drawers for anti-stud speeches.

West Side lawmakers never have championed studs; their constituents rarely contend with snow-packed highways. And East Side lawmakers, traditionally more cost-conscious, will have to weigh voters’ winter worries against the expense of resurfacing highways twice as frequently.

Granted, August isn’t a logical time to think about snow tires, but you’re going to be too distracted this fall by the traffic tie-ups during 45 days of resurfacing work. So let us know now how you feel. Studded tires forever? Or is it time to give the asphalt - and the state treasury - a break?

Heroes for our times

Sunday’s Parade magazine reported prominent Americans’ choices of heroes. Selections ranged from Thomas Jefferson to comedian Richard Pryor. So much for prominent Americans. What about Main Street Americans? Who are your heroes - and why?

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