The proposed NASCAR track in Bremerton, WA was in the news again as the legislative session is about to begin. Feelings are high on both sides of the issue with many wondering why a multi-billion dollar private corporation would need half of the bill paid by the taxpayers of Washington state. Especially when the proposed track in New York would be soley paid by International Speedway Corp.

The supporters of the track will argue that the state will more than make up for the contribution with increased tax revenue from race fans and new area businesses. However, the detractors have more issues on their side such as the limited access on a penisula that is only accessable by a 4 lane bridge and a ferry system. Sure there will soon be 8 toll bridge lanes available, instead of 4 free lanes, but how does one still move 80,000+ people on the 2-4 lanes roads on either side of the bridge. Notwithstanding the limited access available, the tax revenue cited fails to mention the $350 million in property taxes that will not be collected because the property will be "owned" by a "public" corporation. These are the big issues among many others.

Having lived in this great state of Washington my whole life and experienced the access issues to the Kitsap Peninsula, without a NASCAR track, I know the concerns voiced by the opposition are real. As for the tax issues, that would be somewhat less of a concern if we didn't have this huge corporation building essentially the same track in NY without public financing. Why should we be held to a different standard?