The former State Senator and often sparring partner to yours truly posts an open letter to the Governor and the leaders in the General Assembly. Here’s the first key excerpt (Roanoke Red Zone):
While I no longer have a vote as a member of the Senate, I believe my past service gives me a unique perspective on this issue. It is my firm belief that a solution can be found. I am writing to offer my thoughts on how we can achieve it.
As I said, doing nothing is not an option. So is raising taxes.Several years ago, I did vote to add the sales tax to the wholesale price of gas to fund transportation. I distinctly remember gas being $1.70 a gallon when I cast that vote. $4 a gallon is a bit different. Regional Transportation Authorities seemed like a good compromise, but now clearly raise serious Constitutional issues. Plans like HB 3202 and 6055 only serve to “Balkanize” the State, dividing us into regions and pitting us against each other. I firmly oppose bills like HB 6055 currently being considered.
Bell then goes on to propose his own plan, which is essentially downloading local roads to the localities. While I have a question on his definition of “secondary roads,” which he says should still be state funded (we may not mean the same thing with that label), the plan is similar to the one I presented last spring. All in all, it’s a fantastic post and a badly needed message.
One problem though, after this, we may not have any issues left to argue!
Oh well, we’ll always have Ralph Smith.
