I voted against Initiative 912, but with serious reservations. I believe it is very important that we adequately fund the transportation projects that have been neglected for the past 25 years. Having recently returned from a National Guard deployment to New Orleans to assist in security and assistance operations, I saw first-hand what happens when vital projects are neglected. Such was the case for rebuilding the levees. I’m pleased that the voters of our state chose not to play Russian roulette with the crumbling Alaskan Way viaduct and other essential projects.

What concerns me is that I don’t think we’ll ever see the gas tax increase go away. I don’t like giving the Legislature a blank check. I want to know exactly how much is needed and when the tax will no longer be necessary. I agree with Randy Moser’s Nov. 14 letter “Get ready to be asked for more.” They’ll be back begging to fund some other important projects, but next time I will vote no unless the tax increase specifies the amount needed and has an expiration date, regardless of the necessity.

Kerry J. Watkins

Everett