Yes, there were folksy local references – as a boy he spent 
summers in Birch Bay – yet he stuck close to a power point presentation and the pretty SSA brochure that summarized on its front cover: “America needs a new export facility; Cherry Point is the best location; Hundreds of permanent jobs, millions in tax revenues; It's the right idea, the right place, the right time; Let's get America moving again.”
But Cherry Point deserves better than slogans. What was missing from Mr. Cole's presentation is an understanding and a vision of Whatcom County in the 21st Century that combines traditional industry with clean jobs utilizing technology. Why are students in our high schools studying math and chemistry and physics? How can WWU be harnessed in bringing our county into this century? Mr. Cole could speak as a statesman rather than a salesman for one company's solution.
He said that criticism raised by the terminal's critics are only “half right.” Yet he refused to identify those points that he believes are wrong.
Bellingham's Mayor Dan Pike, in attempting to make sure that “accurate facts about the project are put on the table,” produced a two-page outline that can be found at: www.cob.org
When I started to mention this at the meeting, Mr. Cole was quick to say he is a good friend of Mayor Pike. When I asked if he had read the outline he said he hadn't. Then I read one line: “Who will underwrite the cost of mitigation factors,” and said: “If you're so sure the project is safe, indemnify Birch Bay, for the shellfish, values of condos, etc. Have your friends at Goldman Sachs write a bond contract with their friends at AIG.” Mr. Cole shot back, “Mayor Pike has no jurisdiction.”
Technically, perhaps not, but influence?
ak
Al,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to bring the issue of the coal terminal to the attention of the BBWARM Advisory Committee (BBWARMAC) last month. I’ll have to admit I’ve approached my education on the issue with all the enthusiasm usually reserved for cleaning out my garage. Your brief to the committee, Dr. Schiller’s article, and Mayor Pike’s letter were a fine introduction to the process. Moving from simile to metaphor, the entire project is, at best, a garage packed with a daunting jumble from floor to ceiling.
First, I should clarify that this message may not be the opinion of the committee, which has not discussed the project. It is entirely individual.
You propose that BBWARM has a role to play in sorting a corner of the jumble. If one accepts that Mr. Cole’s trains or their terminal will shed a choking or toxic dust on the Lake Terrell-Birch Bay watershed, there is no doubt. The debate whether that will be the case will be long, loud, and contentious. Call me cynical, I do not expect a clear, unequivocal line drawn between critical impact and no impact.
I do expect that, as a quasi-governmental entity, the BBWARMAC will need to make some sort of judgment on the issue at some point. Therein lies an opportunity to extend the metaphor: the bulk of the positions, judgments, decisions will be adopted in bureaucratic, regulatory, or political boxes sorted by scopes of limited authority. Each agency will, appropriately and by necessity, focus on its particular sphere of influence. We will be no exception.
Having said that, it is important to me that I understand the length, breadth, and depth of the project and look forward to hearing from you on the subject. Thanks again, and please keep in touch.
Don