Mayor of Bellingham Oblique and Wishy-washy

To the Editor:

In concluding your interview with Mayor Linville on the coal train issue, you state that it is now up to us to hold her to her opposition to coal export. She must be more convincing in person than in print, for I found her responses oblique and wishy-washy at best.

In response to one question on a possible city ordinance, she states that she once demonstrated against the Vietnam War and supported striking teachers but must now uphold the law. What does protesting Vietnam forty years ago have to do with the issue today? Moreover, as far as I’m aware, there was nothing illegal against demonstrating against Vietnam (millions did so), nor is it illegal to participate in a strike, so why in the world does she now contrast those actions with upholding the law? Has anyone suggested that she violate the law? It makes little sense.

What exactly will she do on the coal train issue? Write a letter and consult with the city attorney; that’s about all I got out of it. This is decisive leadership? Maybe the mayor will make her views more forceful and explicit in the future; but looking at this interview, I wonder if our new mayor has any strong opinions on anything or is she only about very cautious and very bureaucratic side-stepping.