Let's assume for a moment that the rezone proposal is brimming forth —full of merit. In that case, if that truly is the case, then why can't a decision on the proposal be postponed until next year? The rezone decision will have decades long impact on the character of downtown Olympia. So why rush such a formative and high-impact decision?
There has been a veritable outpouring of heartfelt opposition to the rezone request. Based on that, what harm could come from a reasonable delay? Do City Councilors really believe that a majority of Olympia residents support the building of a massive super-structure on the isthmus? Or is it even possible that there is there an intention to ram this through despite the oppositional will of a significant if not majority population of informed and engaged Olympia residents? (It's entirely possible that an overwhelming majority does oppose isthmus super-structure buildings. Just look at public opinion regarding the Capitol Center Building...)
As enumerated repeatedly in many forums, including the comments section of Peter Alden Stroble's most recent OlyBlog post, and Bob Jacobs's poignant letter to the editor in yesterday's (Dec. 8th) Olympian, there are a great deal of good reasons to question the rezone proposal. There is good reason to delay voting. There is good and substantive reason to put this decision to a public vote; as clearly stated by StevenL, it might be best if the public had direct input into the big ticket items, like this one — one person, one vote.
Postponement is the correct and immediate solution to the current crux. Postponement will allow rezone opponents to analyze the feasibility of other options. Postponement will enable re-introduction of the proposal for next year. Postponement will allow everyone to take a step back and realize that this project really is not a be-all-end-all for the future of Olympia. Postponement will de-escalate tensions. Wouldn't it be nice if we could move forward with planning with broad consensus? This rezone proposal has been divisive.
So why rush it? Why force it? Please respect the collective words, opinion, criticism, and wisdom of those many residents of Olympia who have expressed their dissent for this rezone proposal. If the rezone is truly the right move, then what would be harmful in the exercise of a little restraint, and to wait until next year for a vote? Please delay voting on this divisive issue.