August 30, 2007
Tolls : Sometimes the adults have to step in
It's clear from the recent CAMPO meeting and the Statesman's most recent editorial that our leadership is ready to throw in the towel. Like children, they are incapable of seeing all the options on the field and seemingly unaware of the long term impact of their decisions. Immediate gratification and long term pain. If that isn't childish, I don't know what is.
Central Texans shouldn't kid themselves, there IS a cheaper alternative. However, as Eye on Williamson points out, it's going to require leadership from our elected officials...
I believe there is a choice and it’s not one that the AAS or many politicians, if any, have the courage to take on. It entails doing what the people want, not doing what it easy. It entails taking an tough stand, stepping our front, breaking down GOP talking points, and leading on this issue. If put to a public vote these politicians know the toll roads would fail, overwhelmingly. But they still proceed as if this is the only option.
The Statesman believes that an increase in the gas tax is unlikely, so CAMPO should go ahead and authorize the burdening of Central Texas taxpayers with paying off toll roads into infinity. Problem is, increasing the gas tax isn't unlikely if Democrats are able to retake the Lege next year. In short, we can afford to wait... we have this long... for a better solution that will benefit all Central Texans, not just those that stand to profit from toll roads. At the end of the day, the next session will not see two major obstacles to increasing the gas tax, Mike Krusee and Speaker Craddick, gone. That, in and of itself, means there is a major transportation funding policy shift coming.
If CAMPO is smart they'll realize this and lead the way to better future for all of us. If they don't, then everyone who votes for this plan will have problems getting re-elected. Yes, Kirk, even you. We like you, but we won't hesitate to recruit and fund a challenger to you in the primary. And she'll win.
Take a moment and let CAMPO know how you feel...
Posted by mcblogger at August 30, 2007 11:25 AM
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