The Eastside's only rail line is in the midst of a five-way tug-of-war: Kirkland, Redmond, the Port of Seattle, Sound Transit, King County. Can so many owners ever amount to a whole, functioning transit line?
Voters have rejected charters here three times. But the rest of the country is finding ways outside the public school monopoly to offer options to students and parents.
George Benson's handsome old streetcars languish in a warehouse. They belong in the planning for a revived waterfront. Better yet, extend the line to the stadiums and SoDo.
America's vision of replicating Europe's flashy, high speed trains is quickly fading as many obstacles stand in the way.
It's entirely possible for a trail and an active rail line to work together. But that seems to be a challenge to some on the Eastside as they and the Port of Seattle work on using a longtime rail line as a trail.
