Sound Transit confesses to illegally giving 173 email addresses to a political campaign

This opinion was written and published by Rob Butcher, Editor of the "Kirkland Views."  

As if foreign nationals hacking into our Federal government's computer systems was not enough bad news, locally, we find that Sound Transit just gave away the email addresses of 173,000 ORCA customers to the pro-transit campaign, Mass Transit NOW!

Kirkland Views has been a vocal critic of Sound Transit for many reasons but this time, we would hope everyone would condemn Sound Transit, the sacred cow of pork barrel spending.

“To date, our critique of Sound Transit has been how ST3 prioritizes political payback over moving people.”

Where is the outrage? Will we see it in the public, in the media? Many thought influencers, politicians and media organizations rely too heavily on Sound Transit, its political power and massive advertising budget to be major critics. Kudos to The Seattle Times for such good work. Let's see if Sound Transit sends their marketing hush money elsewhere moving forward.

"Sound Transit acknowledged the potentially illegal email release after The Seattle Times raised questions. An ORCA cardholder had contacted the newspaper about an ST3 campaign email he received through an email address he said he only uses for his ORCA account."

-- The Seattle Times

“There is something untoward about Sound Transit lobbying the electorate to vote for more money to fund Sound Transit. Another reason to vote no on ST3.”

To date, our critique of Sound Transit has been how ST3 prioritizes political payback over moving people. Case in point: Rail to Issaquah is an ST3 top priority. The only real justification for such a low ridership, billion dollar, long distance rail line is cronyism. Issaquah's mayor just happens to sit on the Sound Transit Board. The planned Issaquah light rail line is unjustifiable as a top priority and will move scarce few in 2040 when it is planned to open. Meanwhile, today commuters wallow in traffic congestion as their tax dollars go to build trains they will never ride. 

There is something untoward about Sound Transit lobbying the electorate to vote for more money to fund Sound Transit. Another reason to vote no on ST3.

Read the entire article at The Seattle Times.

By Rob Butcher, 8/23/2016, Kirkland Views
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