Recently, some supporters of the deep-bore tunnel plan to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct held a press conference to complain that I’ve been spreading “misimpressions” by calling the project a $4.2 billion tunnel when the price tag for the tunnel alone is $2 billion. I don’t think they convinced anyone. [...]

This week Seattle will finally welcome light rail with the opening of Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail between downtown and Tukwila.
But even though that line will go on to the airport by year’s end, reach the UW Medical Center via Capitol Hill by 2016, and extend beyond to Northgate a few years later, the vast [...]

Supporters of the downtown deep bore tunnel today argued that this megaproject could
be built without any cost overruns.  That’s absurd, and here’s why:
First, the deep bore tunnel would be the widest ever attempted.  We’ve had plenty
of problems with much smaller tunnel boring machines on the Brightwater
outflow – and we expect experimental equipment to do better?
Second, [...]

It was more than a little disconcerting to read the front page report in Sunday’s Seattle Times about the inability of the city’s Department of Transportation to manage even the most basic projects. Examples include 350 feet of curb on First Avenue that had to be jackhammered and replaced just weeks after it was installed—at [...]

We’re excited to announce that the Cascade Bicycle Club has decided to endorse Mike O’Brien in his race for Seattle City Council. With the Washington Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club already on board, Mike now has the backing of every local environmental group that issues endorsements. Upon hearing this news, Mike responded,
“It means a [...]

I’m running for Seattle City Council because I believe it’s time to close the gap between what the people want and what the politicians are giving us.
Seattle is a beautiful city with wonderful neighborhoods, great diversity, and rich culture, but there are needs that are not being met.

From the Club’s website:

“Sierra Club endorses Mike O’Brien for City Council, Seat #8 because of his environmental leadership in Seattle and his cohesive vision for our city. While chair, O’Brien brought strength and influence to the Sierra Club’s Cascade Chapter. When Seattle faced the false choice of transit and suburban highways or no increased transit [...]

This morning, Crosscut.com published a story based on a discussion that editor David Brewster and I had yesterday. Among other things, we spoke about the deep-bore tunnel, and I want to clarify my position on this matter.  While I strongly agree with his assessment that this is an important issue for voters, I couldn’t disagree [...]

According to their website, “Mike O’Brien has a long history as an environmental leader and has chaired the local chapter of the Sierra Club for the past three years.   In this role, O’Brien has been a strong advocate for environmental policy in and around Seattle.  O’Brien’s environmental priorities include finding ways to increase density that [...]