Gov. speaks of tax hikes to support new roads plan

I base my view on the FACT that I drive these roads as I am not retired and I travel to and from Naval Base Norfolk and also to the shipyard on occasion and see the same gridlock everyday and no HR entity has addressed it. You and your business buddies are more interested in lining your own pockets on our back than your own. You would probably be able to deduct your travel and fuel expenses, where as the rest of us cannot. That's why as a CEO of a company and probably a military O6 retiree, tax increases would be painless and insignificant to you where-as it would be a hardship on others. As I said before, I believe the "data" was done with the objectivity of the chamber of commerce. I don't have an anti-tax contingent. But I have contempt of an out of control spending government. no matter which government does it. You seem to be happy to let Tidewater residents go bankrupt so long as the data, analysis, and objectivity agrees with it.

Well, at least you admit that you base your view not on data, analysis, objectivity, nor fact; you base your opinion on your prejudice. No expert or scientific view will make you cast off your cherished ideological view that has been the mantra of the anti tax contingent bent on ensuring that no improvements are made if they have to be financed by increased taxes or fees. That of course is tantamount to doing nothing, to accepting the status quo. I think that is a formula for disaster, but apparently, you and the rest of the anti tax contingent could care less. Most of that group is retired, so the use of the transportation system is less important; they can use it when they want, not when they must. I suggest that a region that let's it retired population set public policy is a region on the way to oblivion, not prosperity.

Well perhaps the "objective data" is some of what I disagree with. I believe that those being objective were basing their data more in what the ports and business communities wanted vice the objective data where transportation gridlock would be greatly improved for those who use the roads to get back and forth to work. I base my views on personal experience of course, however, there are plenty of others who drive the same routes to the same places that I do. I believe the gridlock at the HRBT and the downtown tunnel didn't get the "objective" data collection and analysis that it deserved, which is why I believe that some of the six MPO projects may be in jeopardy as they are being scrutinized more by some in the legislature on the transportation committee and those of us who use the HRBT and the downtown tunnel.

Actually no, I would not say you are arrogant, but just like any of us, you base your recommendations on your own personal experience. Of course, not all of us have the same personal experience, and that is why we need professional engineers, people who have studied traffic patterns based upon objective data collected from all points in our system, and using computerized models, they have determined the most cost effective manner of improving the performance of our overall system. In fact, that is what is required of every MPO in the country if they are to perform their duty and if their end product is to be accepted for funding by the FHA. For all I know, your suggestions may be superior, but I doubt it, and in the end, what you think does not stack up with the requirements for data collection, analysis, and cost effectiveness.

I would propose the study of adding an additional tube(s) going to Portsmouth through the downtown tunnel and perhaps a left exit out of the tunnel to get to the shipyard.
Now of course you are going to say that anything different I have suggested will never get approved by the MPO or the HR entities, it will take years of environmental study and all this jargon about federal funding, FHA, and that I am ignorant of the facts and don't understand, an anti-tax zealot, and how dare I go against the wills of the HR entities and the wisdom of the mayor and so forth and so on. So go ahead.

First Mike, no one appointed me just as no has appointed you. In the second place, if we, the citizens of Tidewater, who are expected to foot the bill for transportation projects to relieve traffic congestion and
gridlock, then we should have some say as to what gridlock needs to be addressed rather than an arrogant mayor to decide. On reflection I have mis-spoken in my view of ALL six MPO projects. I humbly apologize for opining in general terms, vice being more specific. I would revise my remarks to say that I am opposed to the third crossing, the southeastern expressway, the widening of U. S. 460, and the Midtown Tunnel/MLK Expressway. My suggestions would be as follows:
1. Open the HOV lanes to ALL traffic with no restrictions.
2. Expand the HRBT to add additional tubes.
3. Widen to the maximum I-64 from the HRBT on the Hampton side and continue on towards Richmond and I64E to Chesapeake and Suffolk, and rework Dominion Blvd.. These in the MPO plan I agree with. I would also include the high rise bridge.
4. Add lane capacity to the Downtown Tunnel. There is only one lane to exit to get to the shipyard. I would propose the study of adding an additional tube(s) going to P

OK Keith, you don't like the six projects. What is your suggestion for an alternative list. What does a transportation system that qualifies for state and federal funds look like? And what makes you think that some self appointed group can do better than the elected mayors and chairs of all the political jurisdictions in the region? Sure people who use the HRBT and are frustrated daily would in knee jerk reaction claim that needs to be fixed first, but what if the experts say the best, fastest, and most cost efficient way to get better service on that roadway is to provide other alternatives? I don't think you can actually design a better set of alternatives, and frankly, who appointed you? If we put you and Greenmun and the rest of the anti taxpayers in a room, would you come out with an alternative that you could all agree on? Fat chance, and even if you did, who appointed you?

Sure I heard Mr. Hill. I also heard Leigh Ann Woisard and Phil Shucet as well. I also heard Jack King and another gentleman named Phil Noel who said he is taxed enough and can't afford it anymore. I know that feeling. I can hear and read Mr. Barrett. I read the poll conducted by Christopher Newport University in todays paper which stated the overwhelming support of expansion of the HRBT. Of course it's only 500 people which hardly represents the views of everybody. The worries about traffic conditions are overwhelming. The fact is that the MPO projects aren't going to resolve the traffic conditions that the voters would support the funding for or ease their worries. It's that simple. I don't have so much of an objection to the increased sales taxes as the I object to the MPO projects that they are going to fund. The fact that you and your business cohorts want the taxpayers to fund your transportation infrastructure to relieve gridlock for industries that benefit you rather than effectively solve transportation gridlock that the voters assume will be addressed. Campaign of denial, deceit, and obfuscation? Rubbish sir!

I guess you missed the comment from John Hill, another Chesapeake resident, who urged the lawmakers to be patient and press forward with a statewide gasoline tax increase. "I hope you have the courage of your convictions and pass the increase," he said. I guess it is called selective hearing, the ability to only hear one side of the argument. Or further, I guess you missed the results of the most recent poll that showed..."that voters' worries about traffic conditions and support for higher funding "are simply overwhelming." The poll was commissioned to help political leaders gauge how voters feel about higher taxes as the General Assembly prepares for a second special session on transportation in late June. Fact is, Keith, you and your cohorts had done a great job of sowing doubt in the electorate, but eventually reality and actuality have trumped your campaign of denial, deceit, and obfuscation. Can we send you the bill for $4,500,000,000?

That's right. That is my opinion. From the looks of past posters on these blogs, your posts don't seem to convince the majority everyday motorists who feel they should open their checkbooks and pay for transportation projects that don't give them the gridlock and congestion relief that it is advertised. I attended the transportation meeting in Chesapeake last night and Delegate Cosgrove says the legislature wants to hear from citizens for new ideas as to what projects to fund and ones not to fund as well as how to fund it. Gasoline taxes were almost out of the question according to the panel. The HRBT was also a topic of discussion. They definitely got the message about the HRTA. The panel agreed that it is a state function. I didn't speak, but invited us who didn't speak to email them with ideas and suggestions. Change is in the air Mike. Your odds may not be as good as you think.
Guerrilla campaign of obfuscation? Look in the mirror Mr. Barrett.

Well, that is your opinion. On the other side, we have elected officials who must face the public and defend their decision to support the MPO plan. I am proud to be on that side, and to be joined by the Senate, the House, the Governor, the HR caucus, the sixteen political jurisdictions of Hampton Roads, and the HRPDC/MPO. On your side, continuing to pursue strategy and tactics from a decade ago, are the taxpayers associations who refuse to admit that their guerrilla campaign of obfuscation, misdirection, and denial has cost us $4,500,000,000. Right now, I like my odds.

Well, once again you repeat the same old tax and spend government good ole boy philosophy that we have to roll over and pay more taxes on everything just because other states do. The fact is we don't live in other states. I live in Virginia. I don't care what NC, CT, NJ, NY, or CA pays for anything. It's irrelevant, it doesn't matter, and nobody cares. Just because England pays L4.80 or close to $10 a gallon for gas and Bahrain is somewhere around 110 fils per liter or $1.10 a gallon for super. Who cares?

Mike, if you feel you're not paying enough in taxes, then by all means stroke a check to the Virginia Transportation Trust Fund and hope it stays there before the legislature spends it on a soccer complex. I want a transportation system that benefits ALL OF US, not just the business community and the ports. The MPO transportation projects don't fit the bill.

Well Keith, once again you repeat the same old refrain that has been hammered into your brain by the anti tax zealots; regretfully, once again, you are simply wrong on the facts. We are not overtaxed on transportation. In fact, we pay less than most, and of course, that is why we have a system in deterioration and decay. Take gasoline taxes; we pay $0.37 per gallon while the U.S. average is $0.45. Take retail sales and use tax; we pay 5% while the U.S. average is 6.02%. Take the motor vehicle sales tax rate; we pay 3% while the U.S. average is 4.58%. Of course, to an anti tax zealot, any tax is too much, but of course, most of us who live in the real world know that you get what you pay for, and if we want a system that functions, we have to pay for improvements.

Well if it is more about getting in and out of Tidewater, then why it is touted as congestion relief? It could also be argued that the tax and spend city councils who were raking in double digit assessment increases in real estate taxes are buying property at the oceanfront, adding 1 1/2" to swimming pools, going into hock on art centers and building projects instead of fixing roads or relieving traffic congestion. The state has had high tax collections over the years. What happened to the transportation fund? It appears that Delegate Glen Oder has been reading the blogs on this topic. One wonders if only your views were given the benefit of his attention. Most of us out here who opine on this topic aren't given the luxury of being called personally by a state delegate to a constituent he doesn't represent and having a one on one discussion about their views on transportation. Contrary to your belief sir, I don't have my head in the sand. If I did, I wouldn't be participating in this discussion. I am paying attention.

I reviewed my post below in which I had commented on my reaction to comments made by Delegate Glenn Oder at the meeting at WHRO which both he and the Governor attended. Further, Delegate Oder was kind enough to call me directly to discuss by perception of his comments. While Delegate Oder agreed with me about what he had said, he also indicated that he was simply laying out for the audience the deep feeling on the Peninsula about higher taxes and fees and the past lack of direct attention and action on the HRBT. He indicated to me in our conversation that he is as committed as ever to finding a solution, and as he has been a voice for moderation and progress in the past, I acknowledge that my comments may have been too harsh and I thank him for his call and for his service.

Once again, Keith, you fail to get the main point. The MPO plan is more about getting into and out of Hampton Roads and since the Feds pay for 90% or so, their rules apply. The congestion problem within Hampton Roads is the responsibility of the legislature and local governments. Over the last decade, under the "leadership" of the no tax increase republican delegates, our system has deteriorated to the point that bridges are closed and local projects that have been in the six year plan are simply cancelled, maintenance takes an increasing percentage of the tiny amount left, and by 2014, the Commponwealth will be in the maintenance mode with no state money available for new construction. This year, the piddling amount available last year was reduced statewide by 44%. Sure, you are entitled to your view; I just ask that you accept responsibility for the consequences of your head in the sand.

The same could be said of Mr. Barrett for this magic MPO plan to reduce traffic gridlock in Tidewater. He would lead us to believe that because it has been "approved" by the feds, the GA, Gov. Kaine, and the unelected HR entities, the posters who opine on this topic should just shut up, and not contest the wisdom and sanity of our unelected "leaders". Mr. Barrett, seems to show utter contempt for people who don't agree with the decisions of the HR entities and cheerfully go along with whatever transportation projects they want no matter what the cost or how ineffective they are. As long as there is a federal carrot dangling in the air then we should graciously curtsy and say take my money please as the feds have approved it. Heaven forbid that some state legislator or federal transportation official read these blogs and possibly second guess the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The opinions of Mr. Barret, Mr. Greenmum, George, or myself are worth no more or no less and that of anyone else. Let's be heard!

Warning to new posters: Greenmun saying something does not make it so. The MPO plan complies with state and federal criteria and is approved by both. Reid does not have a plan, just criticism of the existing plan. He complains about congestion but of course the anti tax zealots insist upon electing state delegates who have signed the no tax pledge, so they refuse to fund transportation so our Commonwealth faces sending its federal share to other states, and we soon will no longer be able to fund the state share for local roads. Follow the path advocated by the anti tax groups and you will sit in three light cycles delays, you will not be able to reliably get into or out of Hampton Roads, and your car will need alignment every month or so. Not a pretty picture. Their delay, denial, and obfuscation has cost us $4,500,000,000. Send the bill to them.

It seems we have a sudden increase here in supporters of taxing more and wasting our money. Am I the only one who gets the impression these new names may just be Mike's multiple personalities?

Republicans will hate this, but we need to do whatever is necessary to fix our decades old transportation problem. Out elected Republicans have kept sweeping this under the rug and debating over and over and will never make up their mind. Just how long do you people think we can wait to fix this problem and just how much more will it end up costing us when of if they do?

The state collects the second highest amount of revenue from our area and disperses the funds state-wide. Improving transportation will boost the economy which means more money to the state to disperse elsewhere. If the entire state will benefit from better transportation here, then the entire state must make the investment. If we foot the entire bill, then we should keep the increased revenue here regionally. Lets eliminate the state income tax. Think of the savings in administration fees! Raise the sales tax and collect revenue from residents and visitors based on purchases. All of the "paid under the table" employees, drug dealers, and tax cheats will still have too pay too if they want to survive!

It seems we have a sudden increase here in supporters of taxing more and wasting our money. Am I the only way who gets the impression these new names may just be Mike's multiple personalities?

Mike, you know that the MPO plan doesn't solve our commuter congestion problems. You know that the MPO plan was desigend to promote growth for the port. To others (in Fredricksburg), the objections to the Gov. efforts are many and valid. In Tidewater we need a better plan then the non-elected MPO plan. As pointed out, the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) is robbed and spent on General Fund lower priority wants. VDOT wastes billions we have already paid. Instead of raising taxes, fees, and putting tolls everywhere, we need real solutions, better plans, and a Constitutional amendment to make it harded for politicians to rob the TTF. We all witnessed the foolishness of 1986; the 'ole "Trust us, we'll raise your taxes and fix transportation" scam. Follow the money; VDOT and the General Assembly wasted it. Giving the same flawed Gov. process billions more to waste is nuts. We need gov. reform and better plans. We need congestion relief, not economic development marketed as congestion relief.

Well sir, like you said we have representative government. Whether pro-tax or anti-tax, the legislature is obliged in either case to respond to it's constituents. If the voters aren't satisfied with their representation, they in office get the boot. Regardless of the fed's role, I don't see why we should be obliged to accept and pay for transportation projects that (in my view) doesn't serve their true purpose just because there is a federal carrot dangling in the air. Anyway, I still believe that the HRBT needs to be addressed and expanded immediately regardless of what the MPO, the feds, the legislature, or the HR entities say. I think it was wrong to dismiss it as a primary major transportation project. I want to get what I pay for. If I am promised gridlock relief at the tunnels and bridges, that's what I expect. I don't see that happening with the current MPO plan. I believe Paul Fraim thinks we are a bunch of donuts out here and we don't know or understand what's good for us. He is sadly mistaken. So as usual you and I will have to agree to disagree.

Well Keith, it is not that simple. I have explained the issue with the federal government and its requirements for the use of federal money, but you of course will simply never accept that explanation, so let's just leave it as a disagreement. The issue of congestion is much more interesting, and the reason that the Commonwealth Transportation Board has had to cut local funding this year by 44% is that there was no surplus last year, the legislature rescinded the abusive driver fees, and the cost of maintenance has esclated so much that very little is left for construction. Fact is, the anti tax zealots who have elected delegates who have signed the no tax pledge have caused such a severe cut in the construction of city and county road projects that unless we have a statewide solution, by 2014 or so, all the money will go to maintenance , and all our federal share of the federal gas tax will go to other states. That is the situation, and that is why the anti tax advocates have caused havoc and congestion by denying the situation and refusing to take their collective heads out of the sand.

Mr. Wells, first, politics is one big compromise. The republicans in the House of Delegates typically run on less taxes and small government. The republicans got spanked for HB3202 and some lost their seats and some deserved it. Second, the transportation projects shoved down our throats here in Tidewater were advertised to relieve traffic gridlock and bottlenecks. However, the plans merely create more development and less gridlock for the ports while being paid for by the folks here who expect relief from problem areas. The MPO rejected funding the HRBT, one of the biggest problem areas here in favor of creating another bottleneck to compete with naval base traffic. It is a port gravy train. Most of us who post here disagree with the MPO plans more so than the taxes. Except for Mr. Barrett of course. I have not resorted to name calling for those who disagree with me, yet I am accused of being a anti-tax zealot and living on fantasy island when I feel like I am being taken for a sucker and not to roll over and go along with whatever unelected HR entity decides what's best for me. Well I simply refuse.

keithh41833, I was raised in Norfolk. I am greatly concerned about the Tidewater traffic mess. My younger brother, several cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces still live there. I seldom return for visits because your traffic jams are worse than those in Northern Virginia. Either you, along with the Republican House of Delegates, if not afflicted with Tax-a-Phobia, believe in Santa Claus, tooth fairy and egg laying rabbit myths. You are sadly mistaken if you think you can get out of your constant gridlock merely by tinkering around the edges of the State budget.

I have few complaints except for traffic jams and pot holes. I 95 between here and DC resembles a broken down county road. I 64 east of Willimsburg is even worse. I too pay $32.00 or more for my typical 20 gallon fill up, and I drive less as well. I will have no objection to any gas tax increase that goes exclusively to roads and highways. It's a price we must pay.

If the Governor Kaine wants to compare numbers, he should compare all the numbers. Virginia State Income Tax rate 2-5%. National ranking 17. Number of States with no State Income taxes 9. Percent of State income taxes from individuals 54%. Income taxes from corporations 6.8%.

Virginia Average individual income 30,000. National ranking 26. Virginia's average property tax burden 1418.00, ranking 24th (not counting personal property).

Priorities, maybe instead of spending billions of dollars in construction at state universities, you should have put the money in new roads.

The anti-tax idiots in the General Assembly, voted in year after year by constituents whose criteria for a worthy representative starts and stops at a "lower taxes" pledge, have nearly crippled the infrastructure and environment of the Commonwealth. It’s been hard to notice this deterioration over short run, but the signs are showing now. Unfortunately, the lack of leadership is not limited to Republicans. Too many Democrats are guilty of running on a platform of redistributionist spending, that would steal funds from critical expenses that should be maintained by our government (e.g. infrastructure, security, environment). Today, I’d say its self evident that the Commonwealth is faced with significant costs over the next decade. I hope we can find representatives with the intelligence to grasp the complex issues, and the fortitude not to bend to the shortsighted complaints from extremists of their party. We can’t afford any more idiots from either party.

No sir. The House of Delegates are responding to the constituents that elected them to office instead of tax and spend bureaucrats who think they their citizens own a bank. That seems to be their solution is to throw money at everything and the problem will go away. If the legislature would spend transportation funds on transportation instead of pork projects, there would be no need to increase taxes. Second, it appears to me that YOU are the one complaining. I am already paying $32.00 more for my typical 20 gallon fill up. I also drive less as well. Break out YOUR checkbook Mr. Wells and stroke a check to the state treasury. Put your money where your mouth is. Why should you care about Tidewater when you live in Fredricksburg?