Here’s the key question for the day: Do we want to grow our capacity as a state, remain a desirable place to live and do business, and secure our future in the global economy?

The answer is yes!

A great dialogue is taking place and we are well advised to pay attention. The dialogue is something of an echo from our last legislative session, and echoes the key concern: Do we invest in our transportation infrastructure?

Washington state now faces a crucial decision, and to all of us, this should be considered an issue of urgency. Do we endorse legislation that secures our state’s ability to keep Washington state on the leading edge — or let Washington state take a second seat (or third, or fourth) in terms of our ability to attract business and investments?

The Federal Way Chamber of Commerce believes that now is the right time to invest in our future.

Reforms are needed, yes. However, we as a state and region can no longer afford to let this dialogue stop our state from maintaining our competitive edge.

Our state ferry system, our Port facilities, our transit service and our roads are all in desperate need of serious investment.

On Oct. 9, legislators will convene in Tacoma to listen to the voices of businesses and citizens who care about Washington’s future. I encourage every citizen and business owner that deems roads and bus/transit as essential services to show up.

The Federal Way Chamber and other leading business organizations can provide testimony to the need for investment, but our legislators want to hear from you — the business leaders and residents. Federal Way, as a community, needs to show up on Oct. 9 and let our legislators know that investment in transportation is essential.

Without this investment, Federal Way bus commuters may have to get back into their cars to get to their jobs.

Without this investment, King County Metro service will face significant cuts. Without it, the critical connections for the SR 167/SR 509 access to the Port of Tacoma will continue to be challenged, and Federal Way will continue to experience the backlog on our local roads.

The Federal Way Chamber of Commerce has whole-heartedly endorsed the state’s proposed transportation funding efforts. We are calling on the businesses and community of Federal Way to engage and let our legislators know we deserve this investment. We need to let our legislators know that we believe investing now is an investment in our future.

Join me in Tacoma in to inform our legislators that we need to fund transportation investments now. The event runs 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 9 at Evergreen Tacoma Campus, Lyceum Hall, 1210 6th Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405.

Let’s keep Washington rolling!

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Patricia Mullen is CEO of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. Contact: pmullen@federalwaychamber.com or (253) 838-2605.