What is missing in the discussion of tolling I-90 is recognition that this is part of a plan by the WSDOT and the House Transportation Committee to have government shape citizen decisions. Tolling cannot only be used to collect large sums of money, it can also be used to compel citizens to conform to government ideals about how and when to travel, and how and where to live and work. Decisions formerly made by individuals are now routinely being made by government agencies. And yes, many or our so-called representatives think it best if they make more decisions for us.

Washington, King County and Seattle legislatures have a solid history of defying the will of the people (witness the sport stadiums, car tabs, groceries sacks, and most recently the super-majority of the legislature required to raise taxes). Citizens must not assume those we elect and the agencies they are charged with overseeing are interested in preserving our freedoms.

David McLaughlin, P.E.