Because Rainier Valley is one of the least affluent parts of town, and because it is so racially diverse, Sound Transit's policies are discriminatory, Curtis claims. Davies fears her community could lose its stake in regional transit if Save Our Valley pushes too hard. I think all they can achieve is tunnel or nothing. Moreover, Davies, who is white, accuses Curtis, who is white, of racism for his pro-tunnel stance. There is nothing more prejudiced and racist than not serving minority communities with transit.
Some observers privately say that Save Our Valley's support has fallen off greatly in recent months.
Curtis insists the contrary. About 50 people of all backgrounds showed up for the last regular board meeting, he says. We still have a wide base. Still, critics say, some residents in Rainier Valley may be exercising more financial influence over Curtis' group than others. Whatever its base, Save Our Valley has shown no end of energy in the fight against a street-level train.