I recently presented my analysis of the problems with proposed bill SB 5575, which would appoint a union representative as a full voting member on local transit agency boards.  Since all public agencies use unionized labor, the bill undermines public accountability and creates a clear conflict of interest.

In addition to presenting my analysis to the House Transportation Committee, WPC member Tad Sommerville also testified on the bill.  Here’s what he said.

            “SB 5575 should be terminated in committee.  This bill misses the mark.

"What should happen is this: Any governing body of a public transportation benefit area, in which the budget exceeds $1,000,000,000,  should be required to publicly elect the governing board members.  No governing board members should be appointed by any government official.  Therefore, this bill [SB 5575] should be terminated and a new one drafted in its place that accommodates this election necessity. 

"Why wouldn’t the bill sponsors want to support direct elections of the representatives of a governing body of public transportation benefit area?  There is no better way for the citizens to determine who they want on a committee than by direct election.  It is democracy at work.

“The governor does not appoint the legislators.  Then why should government officials appoint the board members of a public transportation benefit area?  This makes no sense.

“As an example, Sound Transit, lacks a publicly elected board.  As a result, the citizens in the Sound Transit taxing district are getting substantively taxed yet lack directly elected board representatives.  Appointing board members is taxation without representation.

            “SB 5575 should be terminated in committee.”