Slam on spending brakes

David Bray’s letter (Feb. 1) about Jonathan Brunt’s article zeros in on unelected people making major tax-spending decisions. Why was light rail construction included in the extension of Riverside Avenue? This was approved by no one who was elected.

What’s new? Voters defeated the Pacific Science Center in the 1990s. Under a new name, Mobius, still a financial loser, it is introduced by unelected folks, circumventing a public vote.

Now, a Feb. 2 headline says light rail is a Spokane “dream.” It’s another financial bust, and not a dream, but a “nightmare.” Voters said no to a science center of any name, no to light rail as it’s a damaged-brain idea. River Park Square parking garage did not have a public vote, and as a result you will be paying for it for many years.

The trend of more people working from home and employed in local areas where they live deletes the need for light rail now or in the future. Buses are not full, freeways are in place for our use, and ruts and potholes need repair. Why do we need empty rail cars to add more red ink? Stomp on the spending brakes by these unelected folks!

Jock Swanstrom

Spokane Valley