Endorsements
Send your words of support to NarrowsBridgeLights@gmail.com
Local Gov't and Organizations
Elected Officials
"There's one reason to do it, and that it is that it's the right thing to do."
~ Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma (Tacoma News Tribune, 11/13/2006)
"I think we've all been struck by it [lights on the bridge]... This bridge, by its design,
is lyrically beautiful. The lines in it, like many bridges, appeal to
some inner aesthetic in many people."
~ State Rep. Pat Lantz, D-Gig Harbor (Tacoma News Tribune, 11/13/2006)
Media
"Just a year after construction workers tricked out the new Tacoma Narrows bridge with lights, it's hard to imagine the mile-long crossing without them."
~ Tacoma News Tribune, 11/14/2006
"When Tacoma Narrows Constructors put work lights under the bridge cables last year, it transformed the project into an accidental artwork. The high-watt fluorescents tracking the catenaries of the main cables glow like jewelry in the nighttime sky."
~ Rob Carson, Tacoma News Tribune, 11/13/2006
"Studies have shown the [New York's Mid-Hudson Bridge] lights have
had no effect on traffic safety, he said, and the bridge authority has
had no complaints that they are gaudy or inappropriate."
~ Tacoma News Tribune, 11/13/2006
"If we were Seattle, we would kill the lights with endless talk. We have
more grit than that. We have the icon and the will to light it. It's
time to give us a place to send the checks."
~ Kathleen Merryman, Tacoma News Tribune, 9/11/2006
"The light displays have been so appreciated they have led to a groundswell of public support for lighting the structure permanently after the builders are gone and the bridge opens to traffic in 2007."
~ Tacoma News Tribune, 1/5/2006
Residents
“Seattle has the Space Needle. Paris has the Eiffel Tower. We have two lovely bridges going over a wonderful working waterway.”
~ Raymond Lavine, Gig Harbor (Tacoma News Tribune, 9/11/2006)
"It's just too fun. Everyone we talk to says we have
to keep them. I think it gives spirit to the city. I think it sends a
message."
~
Desa Gese Conniff, Tacoma (Tacoma News Tribune, 9/11/2006)
"Illuminating the Tacoma Narrows Bridge would showcase one of Tacoma's most recognizable monuments which has a rich history. Here's a chance for Tacoma to take a big step toward becoming a world class city at a negligible cost."
~ Erik Bjornson, Tacoma
"I think they are important to all of Tacoma because it gives an entrance to our city that says something more than the industrial, utilitarian entrances that we have from I-5"
~ Charles Hunt, Tacoma
"I am very supportive of keeping the lights on the bridge. They are gorgeous, fun and I think they are becoming a Tacoma icon."
~ Kate Paterson
"For over twenty-five years I lived in Seattle and in 1977 started West Stock a stock photo agency there. Over the years we provided images of the Northwest to thousands of publications, media outlets and online services around the world. From this experience I know that the value of an iconic image like the Space Needle is priceless." "No matter the cost of lighting up the bridges, the resulting economic boost to the area will more then cover it." "Not only will this bring world wide media attention to the Southsound, it will bring tourists and it will bring business."
~ Steve Meltzer, Gig Harbor
"The lights have made a significant difference to our beautiful waterway
connecting Tacoma and Gig Harbor. It is so much more inviting and
connects the two communities in ways that nothing else can."
~ Dyann Lyon, Tacoma
"Don't stop at lighting the bridges. Like New York and San Francisco, we should let our icons work for us. We start by lighting the bridges, old and new, across the Tacoma Narrows by the end this year."
~ Kathleen Merryman (Tacoma News Tribune, 1/1/2007)
"In our opinion, the new Narrows Bridge, lighted, creates the best possible symbol for Pierce County and the South Puget Sound region. Why would you spend money to invent a symbol or a marketing icon when we already have the best possible one – which is actually functional!"
~ Beth Jensen Chew (former President (1984-1985), Tacoma Arts Commission) & Jim Chew, Tacoma
"We live in Lakewood and seldom actually see or use the bridges but fully support the project to keep them lighted. They would definitely become THE symbol of the Greater Tacoma Pierce County area -- too good an opportunity to let pass."
~ Andrea and Bill Gernon, Lakewood
"Lighting of the Narrows Bridge is one of the greatest Icons I can imagine for Tacoma... I am glad to see this worthy effort gain momentum."
~ Captain Jerry
"I have lived in San Francisco and say that the Golden Gate Bridges has real world appeal and with lights it is truly an icon for California. In the Tri-Cities area here in Eastern Washington, I recall there is a BLUE Bridge and a White Bridge and I think I remember those because of their color and that they had lights so I was impressed enough to enjoy them both!"
~ Mike, Tacoma
Send your words of support to NarrowsBridgeLights@gmail.com