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Lower Tolls Vs. Preserving Heritage: What's More Important In Narrows Bridge Name Debate?

State lawmakers are discussing whether a proposal to sell naming rights for the state's transportation structures would ruin the Northwest's community identity.

The Chuck E. Cheese Bridge.

The thought of it might prompt a few chuckles, but lawmakers who were discussing a bill intended to slow increasing toll rates for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge this week questioned whether such a name could be a distinct possibility.

The News Tribune's Melissa Santos had a great story today about 26th District Rep. Jan Angel, a Port Orchard Republican, introducing a measure that would allow for the right to rename state transportation structures for a fee.

(Click here to read the TNT's story)

Anyone who lives west of the Narrows Bridge knows the story. Tolls have increased since the new bridge opened, and they're scheduled to increase at a steady rate.

To slow that increase and help local wallets, Angel is proposing a plan that would provide drivers some relief.

But not all lawmakers are feeling our financial pain, or at least are willing to jeopardize the region's heritage to ease it. Tacoma Democrat Jake Fey told the newspaper that he was concerned about losing our heritage for commercialization.

Mercer Island Rep. Judy Clibborn, chairwoman of the House Transportation Committee, told the newspaper that she fears a loss of community identity.

It's interesting how the views of local lawmakers are shaped by which side of the water on which they live.

So we ask you, Gig Harbor Patch users, what do you think? Is selling the naming rights to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and other transportation structures worth lower tolls? Tell us in the comments.

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Michelle Smith May 23, 2013 at 05:12 pm
Thank you, Akiko! Just wondering if there was some other reason for it that I didn't see. :)
Akiko Oda (Editor) May 22, 2013 at 03:44 pm
It indicates to other readers on site that it's a worthwhile read, and eventually helps build aRead More reputation for the content producer -- for instance, a blogger, or someone who frequently posts things on our boards.
Brent Champaco (Editor) May 20, 2013 at 03:23 am
Happy Birthday George!
Robin Hebert May 17, 2013 at 02:58 pm
No problem. Welcome Brent. By the way, I'm a graphic artist, have any need for ad design?
Brent Champaco (Editor) May 16, 2013 at 06:36 pm
Thanks for the info!
Brent Champaco (Editor) May 16, 2013 at 02:33 pm
Exactly. Heron's Key is a senior living community that's scheduled to open in 2017. Here's ourRead More story: http://gigharbor.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/gig-harbor-celebrates-the-launch-of-180-million-senio8a20f01358
David V May 15, 2013 at 08:36 pm
2006 as part of the Washington State Life project. Great opp for a tech savvy local.
Brent Champaco (Editor) May 15, 2013 at 05:45 pm
Wow. How old is it exactly?