San Francisco municipal WiFi

I think most people would agree that the San Francisco WiFi project is more of a publicity stunt than anything practical. But after reading the latest list of pros and cons, I’m starting to wonder: is entering a 17 year contract to provide spotty 300 kbps coverage really a smart PR move for our city? It certainly doesn’t scream “high-tech technology hub of the West Coast.”

Washington state politics

I remember hearing about a close gubernatorial election in Washington a couple years ago but never followed too closely. As it turns out, not only was it the narrowest result in state history, but Governor Gregoire has made impressive progress since then despite her “stolen” electoral victory.

Last week’s print edition of the Economist provides some interesting reading about Washington’s 2004 election and the current political climate:

Mrs Gregoire has even waded into Seattle politics, pressuring the city’s fractious city council and Greg Nickels—Seattle’s big, blunt-talking Democratic mayor, who towers over the small, slim governor—to agree on a plan to replace the 53-year-old elevated motorway along the Seattle waterfront, which looks horrible and is vulnerable to earthquakes. Mr Nickels is holding out for a $3-4 billion tunnel that would take the road underground. Others would prefer a $2 billion replacement above ground. In what one Seattle newspaper columnist described as imposing “adult supervision” on city politicians, Mrs Gregoire has made it clear that if they want state money for a new motorway, they must decide what to build, and by this autumn. In talk-talk Seattle, these are harsh terms indeed.

Recovering from a bitter victory
A shaky start has not prevented Washington’s governor acting tough
(subscription or free day pass required)

Short and informative.