When the issue is controversial...

When the problem is a political hot potato...

When the going gets tough, well, the tough don't always get going.

Sometimes they simply hire a mediator.

So, would Governor Christine Gregoire put away that Ouija board and come on down?

Governor Chris has vigorously seized the reins of leadership by announcing that some Colorado mediators will soon be arriving to build community consensus on replacing the Evergreen Point Bridge.

Can't you just feel the magic?

Insisting that replacing the 520 bridge is in need of unflinching resolve and that time is absolutely of the essence, the Colorado colluders must have a progress report to Governor Chris by August first of this year, and a final "here's what we're gonna do and how we're gonna do it" no later than December… of 2008!

I'm sure it'll be worth every penny of the $486,316 we're paying them to do the job that no one in any position of elected or appointed authority here in our state is capable of doing.

Which gets me to thinking...

Maybe we don't need a governor.

Maybe we can just hire ourselves some Colorado mediators whenever something needs to be resolved.

But I digress.

Governor, for passing the buck while spending our money; for trying to build consensus when all we really want you to do is build a bridge, this "Schrammie" is for you.

Have something to say to Ken? E-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.

And be sure to join Ken, along with John Carlson, on "The Commentators", which airs every weekday from 9-Noon on AM 570 KVI.

It's a lively exchange of information, insight and perspective with two guys who don't agree on much, but still manage to enjoy each other as they tackle issues of the day. Even better, callers are invited in on the verbal action.