Regarding the June 22 op-ed written by Travis Snider entitled “R-51 will address transportation mess.” Mr. Snider states (“R-51) will hold government accountable as it demands that the money raised under this measure is spent the right way and produces real results.” Holy Cow, we need to raise our taxes to gain accountability? This sounds like Enron or Worldcom!
Give the political elite more of our hard-earned paycheck and this time they’ll be accountable? Here is the insight, accountability of spending the public’s monies. Give us more and we’ll spend it right this time. What about the other 23 cents per gallon we already pay? And don’t forget, we pay an additional 18.4 cents per gallon on federal taxes making the gas tax truly 41.4 cents per gallon today and everyday.
Mr. Travis goes on to say “we can no longer ignore our roadway and transit needs.” Who is we? Who has ignored what? Every gallon of gas we buy carries a tax of 41.4 cents. Citizens pay, pay, pay at the pump and the political elite spend, spend, spend. Who is ignoring transportation needs? Not the citizens stuck in traffic every day. The elected leadership of our state, counties, and cities – that’s who.
This state needs a new direction. A business-friendly environment that will enhance doing business here. Not higher and higher taxes. A new direction will only come from new leadership.
Vote no on R-51 and any measure that will raise taxes until accountable leadership can be elected. First things first.
Everett
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