Letters to the editor
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Raise the gas tax, and move on
Do I correctly understand our transportation funding problem ("Special Session on Pa. Transportation Funds Expected May 4," April 20)? We're running short on revenue because the state gas tax hasn't been adjusted for well over a decade. Instead of adjusting the gas tax to keep up with inflation, we're proposing to use public money to build $100 million worth of toll plazas across Interstate 80. We'll then tax those crossing the state to pay for our local road network, even though they are not using it.
Isn't this a tariff on interstate commerce? Isn't this highway robbery? Why in heaven's name would anyone have expected the federal government to approve this? How many people would be employed full time to collect such tolls instead of fixing roads?
We are already spending money to collect the gas tax. The gas tax charges those who use highways. The more they drive, the more they pay. It also encourages fuel conservation to help save some oil for our kids. It's perfect. Why add another tax collection system?
According to the Turnpike Commission's I-80 tolling video, the gas tax doesn't work because modern cars have become more fuel-efficient (a Prius appears in the video). What kind of logic is this? If motorists use less fuel, simply adjust the tax rate accordingly. That's not hard to figure out.
Let's raise the gas tax and move on.
DAVE COOPER
Dormont
'Change' know-how
In the April 28 editorial "34th House District: Democrats for Change Should Go With Dodaro," the Post-Gazette calls for the change of replacing state Rep. Paul Costa with Richard Dodaro, a plumber. I am as much for change as the next guy, and I have all the respect in the world for plumbers, but I wouldn't call one to do my taxes.
The Post-Gazette calls Rep. Costa's first election win a courtesy of his name recognition. I think it overlooked his family's lifelong dedication to public service. It should not be considered a courtesy; it should be considered a gift.
It's easy for a challenger to run for a position on bandwagon issues like reducing the state Legislature.
It appears that the Post-Gazette's position is that change is good for change's sake, so perhaps we should change the PG's editorial board with my son's third-grade English class.
If anyone seriously wants change, then they should look for someone with the experience to know what to change and how to change things.
First Published May 6, 2010 12:00 am
