Mercer Islanders give lawmakers earful over I-90 tolls
»Play Video
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- State lawmakers got an earful from Mercer Islanders Tuesday as the asked for a way to get around proposed tolls on the I-90 Bridge.
The bridge is the only way to drive on and off of Mercer Island, and thousands of cars use the route every day -- more than ever because the neighboring 520 Bridge has a toll to pay for its replacement.
Senate and House lawmakers from Mercer Island are leading the charge to see if there can be no charge for island residents to use I-90, or at least a reduced toll. Some on the island believe they're like Alcatraz, being held hostage to the money issues that face the state's highways.
They have collected 5,000 signatures to fight all tolls for everyone.
"Tolls on a bridge or a road that has already been paid for are not a user fee. They're a tax," said Mercer Island resident Lisa Belden. "And for anyone who is caught in that corridor that stretches from Bainbridge Island to Yakima and beyond, they will be hit with a big new tax."
And it's not just island residents feeling the pinch. The superintendent of Mercer Island schools claims a toll would be an undue burden on teachers and staff who will now have to pay to work on the island -- and those other workers with low-paying jobs.
"I think it would devastate business on Mercer Island because there is a very limited population of people from M.I. who work in these businesses," said Mercer Island resident Eva Zamplenyi. "And I think it would do away with that."
But those not on the island counter this is only fair -- that all taxpayers helped pay for the I-90 bridge and its special accommodations across Mercer Island. And senators from areas where they pay tolls and pay for ferry commuting feel they're paying their fair share: Why not Mercer Island?
"I hope that you will share with your constituents that that's not creating sympathy from me," said State Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island).
Right now, this is all still in the talking stage as the WSDOT comes up with alternatives for tolling across Mercer Island. But the residents on that island just want to make sure they are indeed heard.
Nobody testified against the legislation. The companion bill to this by Mercer Island Representative Judy Clibborn will be heard in her transportation committee Wednesday.
The bridge is the only way to drive on and off of Mercer Island, and thousands of cars use the route every day -- more than ever because the neighboring 520 Bridge has a toll to pay for its replacement.
Senate and House lawmakers from Mercer Island are leading the charge to see if there can be no charge for island residents to use I-90, or at least a reduced toll. Some on the island believe they're like Alcatraz, being held hostage to the money issues that face the state's highways.
They have collected 5,000 signatures to fight all tolls for everyone.
"Tolls on a bridge or a road that has already been paid for are not a user fee. They're a tax," said Mercer Island resident Lisa Belden. "And for anyone who is caught in that corridor that stretches from Bainbridge Island to Yakima and beyond, they will be hit with a big new tax."
And it's not just island residents feeling the pinch. The superintendent of Mercer Island schools claims a toll would be an undue burden on teachers and staff who will now have to pay to work on the island -- and those other workers with low-paying jobs.
"I think it would devastate business on Mercer Island because there is a very limited population of people from M.I. who work in these businesses," said Mercer Island resident Eva Zamplenyi. "And I think it would do away with that."
But those not on the island counter this is only fair -- that all taxpayers helped pay for the I-90 bridge and its special accommodations across Mercer Island. And senators from areas where they pay tolls and pay for ferry commuting feel they're paying their fair share: Why not Mercer Island?
"I hope that you will share with your constituents that that's not creating sympathy from me," said State Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island).
Right now, this is all still in the talking stage as the WSDOT comes up with alternatives for tolling across Mercer Island. But the residents on that island just want to make sure they are indeed heard.
Nobody testified against the legislation. The companion bill to this by Mercer Island Representative Judy Clibborn will be heard in her transportation committee Wednesday.
My 2 cents worth, with the problems with the 520 construction (Thank You komo investigation team), the messed up company Kewitt should pay for any problems or overruns with the fixing of the "new bridge", and not the tax payers.
All this talk about I-90 being all paid for, and it is an interstate highway, etc. As far as I know, I-90 new floating bridge was NOT all paid for with federal tax dollars, but also with state tax dollars. With state tax dollars, is why I-90 new bridge is all paid for. All these talk about low income from Mercer Island needing to go to Seattle, etc., Did MI residence think there are no low income people in Seattle needing to use 520 to go to Bellevue for low income jobs? Some people in the slightly north Seattle who can't afford the toll of 520 need to travel either south to I-90 or north to get to Bellevue for their low income jobs? There are lots of people suffering and having a hard time paying for 520 toll, so why shouldn't Mercer Island?
They already get to drive solo in the HOV lane on to the island now they don't want to support the same road that gets them there. Simple solution, MOVE!
This has less to do with MI than it does with harming the state economy. I-90 is a major shipping and commuting thoroughfare. Tolling it will hurt businesses and make even more shippers avoid the Port of Seattle altogether, which will make goods and services even scarcer and drive more business out of WA.
On top of that we saw what tolling %20 did to surrounding roads. If you toll both bridges then traffic will become 24-7 paralyzed on 405, 522, I-5, and 99. WA already wastes over a billion a year in wasted gas from people sitting in traffic, that is serious economic harm. More traffic will make things worse and contribute to people giving up and leaving the area altogether.Â
people have brought up how these folks live on Mercer "Island". many people live on "islands" especially those on fixed incomes. They have no choice when the Democrats raise taxes,fees,tools. Obama and his rational of choking off fossil fuels and continuing printing money only dilutes peoples income. As prices rise.  The one item you all seem to miss is.It is not about tolls. It is about getting you out of your car and into mass transit.Â
So Kitsap County Residents just need to collect signatures and then we can be exempt from paying for the Ferries? Hmm... It amazes me that the people who USE IT THE MOST, DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR IT... Typical..
Maybe instead of complaining about an additional toll, think about all of the people about to get furloughed to 4 day work weeks because of the sequestration...  Paying a buck or two for continued commuting convenience should be the last of your worries.   Kitsap County residents have paid for convenience to Seattle and Tacoma for years. What makes one of the wealthiest areas in the State exempt from having to pay anything the rest of us are forced to pay? Are you more special than the rest of us? Crying over a couples bucks... Try losing 13 days of pay in 13 weeks... Every Dept. of Defense Employee is about to experience that thanks to our lovely Prez...
It would be devastating to people that live and work on Mercer Island. There's no other way on and off. People who live on Bainbridge Island or other outlaying islands knew that when they moved there. But Mercer Island has never had that situation, and people that live and work there never anticipated it.Â
If you live on Mercer Island and take one trip a day off the "island" @ $7 per round trip, you'll pay $2555 per year. If you work there and pay a toll @ $7 round trip, that's $1680 a year. So yes, they will certainly lose some of their workers. If you're working a job that pays $10-$15 an hour, you'll very quickly be looking for a job closer to home.Â
 I don't actually mind the tolling, but the price is too high. We'll strangle our own economy. Â
Mercer Island quit your crying! King county got to vote in the toll for the Narrows Bridge. Now it's your turn to pay. Oh my your stuck on your own little Island so are many people that have to pay for a ferry to get off their island every day. You want to live ther pay up just like everyone else. Everyone in Kitsap County has to pay to get accross the Narrows bridge and we don't get special tolls during the day or no toll during the night like all you special people in Seattle and King County. So shut up and pay.
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
Been paying tolls to commute out of Kitsap County for many years, ferries or Tacoma Narrows. People in the rest of the State would say "you chose to live there". We'll there ya go, welcome to our world!
 Either pull ALL tolls, or start tolling for every bridge, mountain pass, etc. in the State.
We can turn this into the East Coast yet.
@beeyesdetector I believe a toll is only for something that has not yet been paid for--once the bridge, or whatever, has been paid for the toll ends.
The I-90 bridge has already been paid for so it's not a "toll"--it's just a tax. And it's not fair.
We don't want to become like Massachusetts, where tolls are collected in perpetuity.
This toll is anti-semitic! Which Gonif came up with this???
Oy vey!
Probably ought to put tolls on I-5 and I-405 as well, just to level the playing field.....
"I think it would devastate business on Mercer Island because there is a very limited population of people from M.I. who work in these businesses," said Mercer Island resident Eva Zamplenyi. "And I think it would do away with that."
aww...you mean nobody who lives on Mercer Island would want a low-paying service job like the people who come from poor areas to serve you? I thought there was low income housing and poor renters living on the island.
I am disgusted the state is suggesting mercer island residents pay a toll on I-90. Shame on you Olympia, we are too pretty to be bothered with your tolls
@BuddyHollyDidn't Mercer Island residents crybaby their way into a cap on I90?
boo hoo for those over 62 years old living on M.I. on a fixed income. do a reverse mortgage on your $830,000.000 property and be set for life and then some. plenty of $$$ to pay your fair share of tolls to your private island.
"projected revenue" is a liars game.  Cynical realists knew better.
Quote from:
http://www.sightline.org/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/02/toll-avoidance.pdf
If toll revenues for the SR 520 bridge, the Alaskan Way Viaduct, or the Columbia River Crossing
fall short of expectations, it is not clear how the state departments of transportation
will pay for the projects. Raising toll rates on those facilities may not raise additional
revenue, but could simply divert more cars to parallel, toll-free routes. If traffic and
tolling revenues donât meet forecasts, the shortfalls can strain state transportation
budgetsâforcing the state to reprogram money from other projects in other parts of
the state to pay off bonds that had been backed by future toll revenues.
Because of the fiscal consequences, members of the public would be wise to take
a cautious and skeptical view of official tolling revenue forecasts.
The ferry riders are subsidized by the state tax payers for over $8 per trip. So using the logic by the Rep from Bainbridge, Island residents should get a similar subsidy?!?Â
But in the end, the real issue is that paying a toll on a already paid for interstate to cover the shortfalls and irresponsible management of the 520 project is fundamentally wrong.Â
For those living on limited fixed incomes, a toll on I-90 will mean we will stop going to Seattle from the Eastside. Â
I cannot afford a toll to do my daily business, nor can I afford the cost of gas to travel either south through Tukwila or north through Bothell to get to Seattle.  I have business to do frequently in North Seattle,  in Georgetown district, and weekly appointments in Madison Park.  Taking a bus is the only other option.  This will not work for a person like me who has to lug around a lot of boxes in my work.
How will students afford to commute across the lake regularly? Â This effectively hobbles anyone with a limited income from commuting to work. Â So will we become another wave of "entitlement recipients?" Â There are more people living on the edge than most people realize. What will you do with the new homeless?
sghinbellevue
Live within your means or move.
It's strange how nobody from Hunt's Point,Clyde Hill or Medina is moaning like the poor souls from Poverty Rock are about tolls..what's the problem?? You Mercerites will still be filthy rich after paying a 3 dollar toll each time you cross into Seattle,and will help pay your fair share - even after all the loop-holes your tax attorney gets you through on your so-called "income taxes" at the end of each year
..besides,the traffic across the bridge will be greatly reduced,making it like your own private floating bridge~
Tolling i-90 will have 2 effects. 1). Small Business on MI will suffer. 2). There will be more congestion on 405 and I5 as people will take the time to drive around.
Cry me a river. I'm pretty sure my taxes paid for the new I-90 bridge, which I rarely use. What? Is it ok for taxpayers to build them a nice fancy bridge for free, but they can't pay their share of tolls?
Tolls are coming. I with it wasn't true, but it is. So, buck up Mercer Island. Everybody who crosses any bridge is going to have to pay. If you don't like it, stay home or move.
@Vinnie So what are you going to say to the people who can't afford to pay tolls on I-405 and I-5 when those start? You are an absolute fool if you think this is going to stop with the I90 bridge.
I wish they would toll all the roads. You use it you pay for it.
This is completely unreasonable for not just people who live on Mercer Island, but people who work in Bellevue and points East but cannot afford to live anywhere but Seattle.
Tolls are for roadways that aren't already paid for, and I-90 is paid for. We pay a hefty gas tax to maintain roads, and the state wants to raise it another ten cents a gallon and STILL charge a toll/tax.
If the state cannot pay for the current construction project on SR-520, then do what they USED to do -- STOP CONSTRUCTION.Â
And why in the hell are the taxpayers on the hook for design and building flaws by their contractors?
No tolls on I-90 or any other part of the interstate system. Don't start projects that you cannot fully fund, and if there is a cash shortfall -- STOP until you get it worked out.
That is what exactly my thought too.
@DJ Allyn Bro I got your back when you're ready to march on Olympia
This state coundn't manage a good case of heart burn let alone bridges. Yet they keep coming up with ways to pay for their projects that may or may not float. And now they discovered a flaw? And you wonder why whats her face is bailing.
If tolls are implemented on I-90, because there is no other route, we would have to pay what I estimate would be about $20,000 per year for a bridge we don't use. A larger contribution than residents that live in the 520 corridor and would directly benefit from the bridge. We would be forced to not only pay tolls for ourselves and our kids, but for every delivery we receive at our home, our handyman would charge us extra for his tolls to do maintenance on our house, and extra tolls for each trip to Home Depot. We have no Hospitals, movie theaters, shopping malls or department stores, sports stadiums, Costco, Home Depot, and so on. There are no major employers.
Some people bring their kids to the Island for French language or religious education. They make two trips per day plus a few extra for activities per week.Â
About 23 percent of our residents are over 62 and on fixed incomes (source: 2010 Census). Many bought their homes 30 or 40 years ago, and were never wealthy. Would you expect these folks to pay tolls back and forth for every doctors visit?
About 20 percent of residents are renters, mostly of very modest homes. The average age of a home on Mercer Island is 34 years old (source: CBBAIN website)
To State Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island)., you are a heartless soul. You purchased your home on Bainbridge with the expectation that you would require a ferry to get on and off the island. We purchased our home with a law in place that would not allow for the tolling of Interstate freeways. The DOT says this law is no longer in place. The I-90 bridge is in good condition and fully paid for, mostly by the Federal Government.
You can afford a handyman to maintain your house?
@Kathy when the time comes to replace the I-90 bridge, then that is the time that they can talk about tolling.
@Jalharad @Kathy Â
I agree with you.
I 90 has been paid for. Tolls are unreasonable. The state is just trying to squeeze everybody for that boondoggle that is 520.
@Glassman I-90 is NEVER "paid" for... the maintenance is very expensive. And remember when MI insisted on the expensive caps over the freeway to cut down on the noise.Â
I-90 is no more paid for than are the WA State Ferries.
Gee,too bad for you. You chose to live there,the same as people who ride the fairies . I have no sympathy for them either. Times change. The South floating bridge,the parks over the freeway all were paid with tax dollars so now pay for it yourselves.Â
@Maynard G Krebbs They were paid for with Federal tax dollars many years ago. Around 1980 if my memory is correct. You too will soon be tolled each time you want to go somewhere unless we tell them NO!
@Kathy @Maynard G Krebbs I do not support tolls on any road or bridge. the biggest problem is with the state. it takes 15 years for the studies and engineering. that means right now they are looking at projects to do from 1997. ,that's absurd. The other part is the state comes up with projects,raise the taxes,then borrows the money to be paid back with interest. just think of the roads that could be built with the current interest payments.Â
 The there are the "lids" over I-90 for parks on mercer Island. Your claim they were built with federal $$$ ,those are tax $$$ so we the taxpers et al paid for them.Â
@Maynard G Krebbs @KathyÂ
There is a new lid on the 520 that we will be paying for.Â
Looks like the Washington DOT is trying to stick it to more people for their failed money making experiment with the 520. Here in Kitsap county, we are now paying twice as much to cross our bridge in order to pay for the 520. Many of us, including myself, have never been on that bridge. Why do we have to pay for it as well!
if mercer island residents don't want to pay tolls like everyone else they are free to move. or use the expensive little bike/ped lane we built them across I-90.
@dorimonsonfan why are we paying tolls in the first place? The gas tax and other revenue collected should be better managed to cover transportation and road issues. Today 520, tomorrow I 90 and next week the ship canal bridge
Isn't Mercer Island home to some of the wealthiest people in the area? Isn't it always the wealthiest that always whine the loudest when they might have to give up a few bucks of their precious wealth? Perplexing to say the least.
@Tooby Roosday Does Mercer Island have a handful of wealthy people? Yes.  Is the island full of wealthy people?  Absolutely not. One-third of the island residents are retired and on a fixed income.  There is low income housing on the island (Shorewood Apts.) and many other apartment complexes on the north end.  I purchased a condo in 2007 which as you may know wasn't the best time to purchase one.  I'll be able to pay the toll and wouldn't mind the reduced traffic on I-90 but businesses will be hurt by this toll which isn't as much the case for Seattle or Bellevue businesses. Â
@legendsfan A handful of wealthy people? You don't get out much do you? Just where did you get your one-third retired statistics? That sure seems like an inflated number. And even if true, I'm sure that many, if not most have fixed incomes that are much bigger than the average. Oh yes, I also forgot, Mercer Island is the epicenter of business in the Seattle Metropolitan area too - NOT!
@LocalLady OMG! Did you even READ my post that had the first link to the Mercer City web site that had the income data for 2010 which was from the US CENSUS DATA!
@Tooby RoosdayÂ
As always, "consider the source".Â
Zillow is in business to drive real estate sales. They are going to paint the most positive picture they possibloy can, whether it is actually the truth or not.
Now, if you had US Census statistics to back yp your claims, that would be entirely different...feel free to post a link for THOSE
@Tooby Roosday@KathyÂ
Like this home on Mercer Island:
http://www.windermere.com/search#!/geo:98040/lat:47.56604994130607/lon:-122.23300234761831/zoom:12/location_search_field:98040/context:map/currentListingDetailId:15370465/buffer_miles:0.25/pagination_index:0/listing_index:4/geospatial:true/pricemax:$700,000/pagination_size:100/status:active/pstatus:1/sold_days:180/ls_conversion:acres/sort_by:1/ptyp:1/
@Kathy Oy Vey! Now I've heard everything.
@Tooby Roosday A few people can really distort that data. You are filled with hate and I don't expect you to show compassion for elderly people who have lived in their family home for 30 years, never wealthy, and now forced to move.
Rather than using your "I live here knowledge" lets look at some REAL statistics:
The City of Mercer Island web site (http://www.mercergov.org/page.asp?navid=592) shows the median family income in 2010 was $145,744. Not too shabby.
Zillow.com (http://www.zillow.com/local-info/WA-Mercer-Island-people/r_56365/) indicates who the main types of people are that live on Mercer Island:
@Tooby Roosday There are plenty of modest homes on Mercer Island. Less than 1,100 square feet with peeling paint and decay. You don't know what you are talking about. I live here.Â