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Transportation still priority
Transportation a priority, candidates sayDate published: 12/3/2008
RICHMOND-- The state's four potential gubernatorial candidates all say transportation funding will be a priority for the next governor.The three Democrats--one not officially in the race yet--and one Republican were speaking in their first joint forum, held during the annual Associated Press Day at the Capitol here yesterday. Democrats state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County, Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria, and former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe--who hasn't formally entered the race yet--and Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell are running for governor in 2009. They all said roads and rail will be something the next governor has to improve. Current Gov. Tim Kaine has tried twice to convince the legislature to increase revenues for transportation, but both times his proposals have failed in the House of Delegates; a Republican transportation package two years ago did pass, but most of its revenue provisions were later ruled unconstitutional. While the candidates said transportation is a priority, none of them presented a concrete proposal for how to pay for transportation improvements. McDonnell said he hopes the legislature this year will address funding for two regions, Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, and for road maintenance. If they don't, he said, he will put out a plan for those things during the campaign next year. McDonnell also said he doesn't want the issue to fall "between one side saying taxes only, and one side saying spending cuts and bonds only It's not just about taxes versus spending cuts and bonds." Deeds and Moran both said they don't believe regional funding is a solution; they want a statewide transportation plan. "These regional authorities are a stopgap measure," Deeds said. He added that he has long argued that his constituents in rural Bath should care about the problems in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, rather than caring only about local road issues. Moran, who lives in Northern Virginia--as does McAuliffe--said transportation problems affect his life daily, and that transportation improvements will lead to economic prosperity. McAuliffe said he wants the state to plan its transportation improvements in a long-term way. "We're not going to have high-speed rail, folks, unless we start thinking about it today," he said.
Date published: 12/3/2008
JEEEEZ...when is it not election time...
(posted by
bhaas
, Dec. 3, 2008 8:41 am)
these days? We start the next election the day after the last. It is truly sad. Alas, I agree that these folks will say anything to get elected and then do nothing to fulfill their promises. However, we, the voters, let them get away with this nonsense. I was surprised and pleased to see that one candidate mentioned "high speed rail" in his rhetoric. If he makes it high speed lightweight rail we will really be talking some sense towards solving our commuter congestion.
Of Course
(posted by
southwest
, Dec. 3, 2008 7:17 am)
Transportation has been needed as a "priority" for years within the Commonweath of Virginia but for some unknown reason has always taken a back seat. Why didn't they work to make transportation a priority when they were members of the General Assembly. I suspect they would do less as Governor. REMEMBER, IT IS ELECTION TIME, THEY WILL PROMISE YOU THE MOON FOR YOUR VOTE.
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