All drivers should help to pay for roads,bridges.
Regarding the March 14 letter, "Whelan shouldn't talk about others' greed":
The writer not only misconstrues a proposal by state Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, but also fails to illuminate the reason for the proposed tax.
Currently, only drivers who use gasoline and diesel contribute to the maintenance of roads and bridges through the fuel tax. The more miles you drive, the more fuel you use and the more you pay for that upkeep. Obviously, to fair-minded people, it's not right to expect other drivers to pay your way, whether you have an all-electric vehicle or not.
The Transportation Trust Fund has been shrinking in recent years because motorists are driving less and are using more fuel-efficient cars. Whelan's bill has nothing to do with greed, but is a realization that transportation revenues must be maintained to sustain our roadways and bridges. That's an obligation of government, and someone has to pay for it. This legislation is one way to help spread this cost more fairly among all who use our roads.
If you don't want to contribute your fair share, then try to find an obliging neighbor to drive you everywhere. That's not called greed; it's called freeloading.
BERNARD GRAEBENER
Elwood
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/letters/more-voice-of-the-people-march/article_e4017ded-d7f1-5bec-bf81-8c273dcb7d35.html
Thursday, March 21, 2013
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2 comments:
When I had an old gas eater, I was bombarded by messages that I was wasting resources and polluting the earth. I was guilted into buying a new gas efficient vehicle.
Now, I'm a "freeloader" because I don't buy as much gas as before!
I calculated my saved gas money into the monthly payment but the Gov. now wants the tax money on gas I don't use anymore to pay for roads.
Why should anybody invest in a new a car?
I don't think self reporting of mileage will work. The Constitutional consequences are staggering when it comes to mileage tracking by GPS.
What about all the out- of- state travelers and truckers who use our roads?
Will people be required to keep a log listing in-state miles and out- of- state miles?
It's all too confusing.
I hate to say it but the only way to raise money for the roads that is fair to everyone is to put up more toll booths.
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