'Building an efficient transportation system is Commonwealth's responsibility'
Joe Maio
2008-05-06 10:25:10
Northern Virginia legislators and those of the Hampton Roads area, the representatives of two high-growth areas in the commonwealth, are going to meet in Richmond to try to solve our transportation problems. I would like to give them my bottom-line viewpoint: no local taxes and no local debt.
Building an efficient transportation system is the responsibility of the commonwealth of Virginia. Per-capita we already pay more state taxes because incomes are generally higher in the high growth areas. There is nothing wrong with this; however, we should expect the commonwealth to meet its obligations. If more money is needed, the money should be raised state-wide. Nobody asked the citizens of Danville to pay for Route 58 improvements and nobody asked the citizens of Richmond to pay for constructing Route 288. Neither should the citizens of high-growth areas be taxed more than other citizens to pay for their transportation needs. Even if it is not unconstitutional for citizens of one area of the commonwealth to be taxed more highly than other citizens, it is wrong.
Instead of spending their time thinking up creative ways to fleece us, our representatives should do the job they were elected to do ?get our fair share of Virginia transportation money.
Joe Maio
Round Hill