Solar Richard brought examples of LED lights that could be powered by the sun and light the bridge without an electric bill. Others explained where they are in the process of lobbying for the lights.

All invited people to share comments, their name and ZIP code. They collected 1,500 comment forms. Desa Gese Conniff and I took a look at 700 of the comments and chose this sampling. We included all of the negative comments we found, a total of two. We also included the only question in the batch.

Hope you enjoy the perspectives.

Kathleen Merryman

“Let’s make this known all over the world.” Mohammad, Tacoma

“What happened to the one percent for arts?” Don, Olalla

“The Narrows bridges are unique landmarks. These bridges should be celebrated! A solar-powered LED system on the bridges would be classy.” Tim, Tacoma

“Improving the aesthetics of a man-made structure in natural surroundings.” K., Tacoma

“It’s nice to see it from the air when we come in from Hawaii and Asia.” Nancy, Memphis, Tenn.

“Solar-powered lights for both bridges fully supported and would beautify the area.” Lucinda, Lakewood

“I think the Evergreen State should support green-friendly power.” Mary Kathrine, Tacoma

“Multi-color lighting BOTH bridges - solar power. I believe this would be an international icon, like the Golden Gate Bridge or the Space Needle, It would put Tacoma on the map and it would make it a real tourist destination.” Valerie, Lakewood

“It can be an attractive landmark for Gig Harbor. It would be helpful to see the bridge in the frequent foggy weather we get.” Adriene, Tacoma

“This would place Tacoma/Gig Harbor even more solidly on the map as a tourist attraction. The lighted bridges in San Francisco and Boston are a sight to behold.” Michael, Lakewood

“I live close by and frequent Steamers restaurant, and it just adds to Tacoma’s beauty. (We need that).” Glen, Tacoma.

“We want it. We didn’t want the bridge, but we might as well enjoy it!” Debbie, Gig Harbor

“This is the new symbol for the city of Tacoma.” Ed, Tacoma

“Let’s add beauty to the beast.” Jason, Westland, Mich.

“Who’s paying for the electric bill?” Adele, Gig Harbor

“Good to Go at night.” Herz, Gig Harbor

“Bridge lights would enhance tourism - more dollars for local business.” Walt, Wauna

“I want to see the bridge in lights! Otherwise it’s overpriced crap!” Aaron, Fox Island

“Light ‘er up!” Clayt, Tacoma

“Please.” Genie and Kim, Silverdale

“Wonderful idea. We’d be glad to donate some bucks for it.” Roger, Sumner

“No. Waste of money for solar panels and personnel.” No name, Bremerton

“The lights were beautiful. Please put them back on.” Karen, Bremerton

“If I am going to have to resign myself to pay tolls, they might as well be pretty bridges. Also, they create a sense of community.” Triana, Gig Harbor

“It lights up the winter months and makes it a beautiful experience.” Donna, Wauna

“It lights up the long winters nights, and gray days.” Quan, Manchester

“We love the colors. I travel five days a week. The lights make my day.” Judy, Olalla

“Helps make it a ‘sight to be seen’ on the Internet!” Phyllis, Sumner

“Because it will look pretty and add to the prestige of the city.” Michael, Gig Harbor

“Neat idea, and since I will pay for the bridge, I want the lights!” John, Federal Way

“It’s worth the cost.” Kevin, Bellevue.

“It would be a visitor attraction as well as a technology demonstration for solar energy.” Raleigh, no city listed.

“No, I don’t support lighting the Narrows Bridges because lighting is not necessary and is just an extra cost that someone has to pay for, and it will be the taxpayer.” Sabrina, Gig Harbor

“Let’s make our bridges stand out the way other cities do, N.Y., S.F., etc.” Torry, Tacoma

“It would establish a gateway to our city which would be recognized by the world.” Greg, Tacoma

“Why not do something unique? We should do this to make the South Sound beautiful.” Jim, Tacoma

“This is a symbol of Tacoma. Although it costs money, it is an inexpensive imaging tool for our city and area.” Frank, Gig Harbor

“We need to show off our twins.” John and Tricia, Gig Harbor.

“It is fantastic. The bridge is a national treasure. Keep it lit.” Paula, Lakewood

“It wold be a boon to our city. I am originally from New York. George Washington Bridge. The Two Narrows bridges will top that.” Norma, Tacoma.

“I enjoy the pride Northwesterners feel for the bridge. If we could amp up the aesthetics of the Narrows while using alternate energy, we’d have even more to be proud of.” Rebekah, Lakewood

“It will make the Chain Bridge in Budapest look like a Tinkertoy.” Bill and Helen, Tacoma

“It’s great for plane safety!” Carrie, Tacoma

“We see the bridge from our deck and very much enjoyed the lights. It was like having our own Golden Gate.” Becky, Tacoma

“NO!” Richard, Tacoma

“The bridge, when lit, is awesome, amazing, inspiring. Please light it again!” Suzy, Tacoma

“Great to have beauty in this gorgeous bridge, a real attraction to take pride in for our city.” Carolyn, Tacoma

“With all the ugliness in the world, we need a shot of beautiful now and then.” Ruth, University Place

“We have a world-class bridge. We need to treat it that way.” Liz, Tacoma.

“It is a terrific showcase and symbol of Tacoma. It should not disappear at night.” Stephen. Tacoma

“Why not look great?” Trevor, Tacoma

“It contributes to my sense of place.” Mark, Tacoma

“I think it looks great. I like the idea of low maintenance and solar.” Julie, Gig Harbor

“Since we are paying for the bridge, you can put on a nice show for us.” Karel, Gig Harbor

“Yes I want lights! And special ones during holidays and special events, please!” Dana, Gig Harbor

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to support solar.” Tony, Gig Harbor

“Once in a lifetime opportunity to ‘showcase’ this amazing work.” Patty, Gig Harbor

“We need lights paid for by Art in Public Places.” Larry, Gig Harbor

“It gives a huge impression. I am a real estate agent in Gig Harbor.” Cheryl, Gig Harbor

“It would be the only lit twin bridges. Only color-changing light bridge. Lights for car and pedestrian safety. Beautiful tourist attraction.” Anikka, Gig Harbor

“Solar-powered is our future. Let our state lead us into a brighter future.” Jean, Olympia

“We need more beauty!” John Stokes, Belfair

“For $500 million we should be able to see what we paid for!” David, Olympia

“Necessary and adds light, beauty and cheer for many.” Jean, Tacoma

“Think of the Verazzano Narrows Bridge in New York City. Think of the Eiffel Tower. Lighting the new Narrows Bridge puts us on the map!” Joe, Tacoma.”

“I’m a Sea Scout, and we take night runs at different times during the year. I love the lights being on the bridge because I think it adds to the skyline.” Alexandria, University Place

“Tacoma has something beautiful. Let’s show it off. Let Tacoma Shine!” Kinzel, Tacoma

“I loved the beauty of the bridges as they were building it. I especially liked the color changes with the holidays and seasons.” Coriene, University Place.

“Please put the lights back on! Beautiful! A great tourist draw. Do it!” Sandi, Tacoma

“Aesthetics matter! Even on public projects.” Mark, Tacoma

“It beautifies the bridge at night, brings more attention to the bridge and our area for tourism.” Kathleen, Belfair

“They unite communities that the bridges connect.” Celeste, University Place

“It gives the bridge character and separates it from other suspension bridges. Plus, it looks really cool!” Marty, Tacoma

“The Narrows Bridge is an icon. Please let us enjoy it at night! What a gross oversight not planning for permanent lights.” Heather, Tacoma

“I think it would create an icon for Tacoma, an identifiable symbol of our city and state. I never knew the bridge was visible from the Nisqually Valley until the new one was lit for construction. It was awesome!” Angela, Tacoma

“It would add to the beauty of Tacoma, and our city should be known for its Narrows Bridge lights and other things versus negative things.” Jill, Tacoma

“Pacific Pride.” Michelle, Tacoma

“It will add beauty at night. I’ll visit Tacoma more often.” Maria, San Francisco

“It will be a visitor draw and bring in more revenue.” Tom, Kent

“After all the money we spent, it’s only a little more to make it more beautiful, like we saw when the catwalks were up.” Carole and Kerry, Gig Harbor

“It gives the bridge a magical look. It is good to raise the morale of the hard-working people who have the opportunity to witness it.” Jeanne, Gig Harbor

“We need to light the stunning achievement, human ingenuity and the integrity and sheer genius of the project for all the world to see.” Richard and Leann, Gig Harbor

“It really adds to the surroundings! They are magnificent. It’s definitely worth it.” Edward, Gig Harbor

“It’s an amazing sight and a feel-good community thing.” Cindy, Tacoma

“I love flair and pretty lights.” Joanna, Tacoma

“It’s a fun and functional idea, and it enhances the experience of crossing and visiting the bridge.” Sean, Tacoma

“It will be shown the world over as one of the most beautiful bridges (in the most beautiful area), and I am willing to pay taxes for that.” Leo, Tacoma

“A monumental achievement like this should be celebrated every day!” Jon, Tacoma

“It really brings a little bit of magic to a wonderful Tacoma landmark.” Heather, Tacoma

“It would be a beautiful accent.” Eldon, Tacoma

“It brings character and uniqueness to our area. It made me feel prideful when I came across the bridge and saw the lights in the past.” Eve, Gig Harbor

“Just do it!” Dave, Gig Harbor

“Please light up the bridge. It’s beautiful and we’re proud of it.” Melaine, Port Orchard

“I believe it would be incredible and safer to light our bridge. What a beautiful sight.” Kimberly, Port Orchard

“Great national recognition.” Chrystal, Puyallup

“It looks nicer than gray.” Lara, Silverdale

“It will make Tacoma happy!” Samantha, Spanaway

“This is one of the things our community and area are known for. Let’s show it off! The Bridge!” Kathy, Spanaway

“You can see the bridge from far away, and it never ceases to amaze.” Curtis, Steilacoom

“We flew over the bridge to SeaTac, and everyone gasped at the lit bridge. It was beautiful.” Pat, Spanaway

“To let the world know the Puget Sound is world-class.” Bjorn, Bellevue

“Make a beautiful statement and enhance the Puget Sound Narrows.” Scott, North Bend

“I liked the lights when I saw them from the train I was on.” William, Seattle

“We need a little whimsy in our lives.” Rene, Seattle

“It is a huge landmark! Promotes tourism!” Susan, Tacoma

“Tacoma lights up amid the other cities in the state of WA and the USA.” Dominic, Tacoma

“After all this work, I want to see my taxes every night!” Fran, Lakewood

“It cheers up the gloomy gray in the middle of winter!” Melissa, Gig Harbor

“Lights along the cables could be lighted in lieu of common street lights. The lights that were on the bridge during construction looked so beautiful and gave a more positive attitude about the bridge and tolls.” Margo, Gig Harbor

“It would be foolish not to. If the numbers come even close, it would be a green attraction.” Peter, Tacoma

“We need a signature for Tacoma, a new landmark.” Barb, Tacoma

“Makes a statement for Tacoma-Gig Harbor. Tourist attraction. Just plain sensible. Do it now!” Terry, Tacoma

“Color is a mood-lifting plus.” Tyler, Tacoma

“Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.” Ellen, Tacoma.

“When my mom passed away, the bridge was lit up, and to have the lights is a reminder of my beautiful mother.” Marie, Tacoma

“The lights will showcase the wonderful and beautiful workmanship of our local landmark, just like others around the world.” Carrie, Tacoma

“It makes everything so pretty! It puts a smile on my face.” Kerrie, Tacoma

“I think it would be great to have lights on the bridge, not only would the bridge look good, but it would generate funds, too.” Pat, Lakewood