Constantine Speaks In Issaquah On Coal Trains

King County Executive Dow Constantine was the headline speaker Wednesday night as the 5th District Democrats held a discussion on why a proposal to have coal trains passing through the area would be harmful to both the economic climate and the environment.  Constantine, known a strong environmentalist, said that there are three proposed routes to transport coal from mines in Wyoming and Montana to be loaded at ports in Longview and/or Bellingham and shipped to China.  Constantine said that 18 trains a day, approximately a mile and a half long could be running through  downtown Seattle, causing serious traffic snarls.  That could seriously damage the economic health of the region.  The trains could also tie up the rails and ward off needed cargo for Seattle's major industries.
Constantine has said that King County government has made a commitment to clean energy sources and  that Coal is one of the dirtiest sources of energy.  Dust from the coal passing through could severely lower the air quality of the region, raising the human health issue.
Also, speaking was Tiffany McGuyer, from Power Past Coal, a group that opposes the trains on the grounds that cleaner and healthier energy sources are available.
5th District Chair Jim Baum addressed the group to say that more discussions on timely regional issues are now in the works.  The discussion took place at the City Hall in Issaquah, the largest city in Washington's 5th legislative district.

They're Coming! 5th LD Democrats To Host Discussion On Coal Trains

The 5th District Democrats will devote it's May Meeting to present a forum on  plans to ship coal by rail through the Northwest. King County Executive Dow Constantine will headline the discussion, along with representatives from 2 groups opposing the plan--Washington Conservation Voters and Power Past Coal. 
The plan is to ship coal mined in Montana and Wyoming to Northwest ports for shipment to Asia.  The ports will be rebuilt to handle the exports.  Environmental impact statements for the proposal are currently being prepared.
The meeting will convene at 7 pm on Wednesday, May 15th at Issaquah City Hall's Eagle Room, 130
Sunset Way.

Washington State Democratic Convention

The Washington State Democratic Convention resumed today at the Convention Center in Downtown Seattle.  
An emotional resolution calling for a halt in U.S. funding of Israel was defeated.  Although the resolution, which was presented at the end of the long arduous day drew passions of two often opposing groups, the cool headed presentation of Dan Lambert of the platform committee, prevented what could been a very damaging battle for the party.  Lambert said in his argument against the resolution that language was crafted in this year's platform that addressed both side's grievances.
Pictured above, Senator Maria Cantwell and myself, Miss Washington 2010 Jacquie Brown singing the National Anthem (middle), and King County Executive Dow Constantine giving the opening greeting to the delegates (below).