Gov. Kaine pitches $1 billion tax plan for road construction

Read the post. I was pointing out what a know it all you are and how you believe anything you read or hear. THERE ARE NO 200 MPH MOTORCYCLES GEORGE. NOT A SINGLE BIKE PRODUCED ON THIS PLANET FOR SALE FOR USE ON A US HIGHWAY WILL GO 200MPH. ITS A MYTH. Care to prove that statement wrong? Provide the make and model please.

"Submitted by georges61555 on Fri, 06/13/2008 at 2:58 pm.
Sports Bike Rider Course won't do one bid of good. These machines that can go 200 MPH will be tested on our highway every chance they get."

That was not in support of these vehicles, but stating a fact that the Rider Course would not do any good to stop these drivers from flying down our highways as they like. Again, my comments are being taken out of contex.
Since the subject has been changed this is my last comment at this time. Good like bud, convincing everyone you are right.

Projection is an interesting psychological phenomenon. Classic example of the egotist who believes he is always right accusing others of being egotist. Read your own posts bud. Sad but funny at the same time. Actually, many of our recomendations were implemented but you would never know it in your tin hat world of conspiricies, evil republicans, and hiding terrorist cells. Yes if only the troops were here instead of over there.....none of this would be....if only we could raise more taxes.....
Submitted by georges61555 on Fri, 06/13/2008 at 2:58 pm.
Sports Bike Rider Course won't do one bid of good. These machines that can go 200 MPH will be tested on our highway every chance they get.

"Must of been the effect of one of those "200 mph" motorcycles you believe in"

I don't believe in any such thing and don't even know what you are talking about. As far as terroist if you don't believe we already have some here than you are sadly mistaken, and you took my comment completely out of context, bud.

My effort at this point is to stroke your ego, not that you neet it. Some times the most arrogant people who claim they know it all actually know very little. But hey, bud what do I know? Keep up the good work I'm sure you will eventually convince someone you are right, but I won't be one of them and neither will the people that count. Your opinions may have been passed to the Governor, but look how far it got you. Duh!

You d'man!

It's a terrorist right behind you.....look over your shoulder past the brim of your tin hat.....he snuck in while our troops were out due to the Republicans sending them away.......

go back and read some of your post bud. Seems you know it all even when you state nonsense. Must of been the effect of one of those "200 mph" motorcycles you believe in, passed you and frightened you.

Greenmun must be terrribly disappointed that despite his seven year campaign against our ability to define regionally what projects we want, that is exactly what we have gotten. The republicans want to fund the six projects, the democrats want to fund the six projects, all the political jurisdictions in the region want to fund the six projects, the Governor wants to fund the six projects, the FHWA wants to fund the six projects, and according to the most recent scientic poll, the citizens want the six projects plus the HRBT as well. Despite his and others assertions about the projects, they have stood the test of time and scrutiny, and remain as our plan. Sure, Legislators are divided on how to fund the projects, and on whether we should also fund statewide maintenance, but the six regional projects remain as the solid foundation of the program to move forward. It is good to see one thing; rationality has won out over the dark forces of denial and obfuscation.

Don't give up, you are the expert you have all the answers. YOU must contact everyone involved and tell them YOU are right and they are WRONG. Everyone on this board has read you comments, we KNOW you are the chosen leader. NO ONE has the answers but YOU!

Uh Mike, I know just a bit about it. The "transportation trust fund" has been raided over and over. If you were not stuck in 1947 you might have known that. You might also know that is why increasing taxes exponentialy again will get no more done than it did last time. Mike, I worked on some of the P-3 proposals. I know a little bit about them and the studies buddy. Worked on them in TX and FL as well. George, I've actually been in meetings with VDOT discussing these problems. Gov wasn't there but the message went right back to him. Thanks for the input.

If you don't understand the difference between the general fund and the transportation trust fund, how can you expect anyone with a modicum of intelliigence to take your posts seriously? And since everyone of the six regional projects will most likely be constructed as a PPTA, which will involve tolls, yet you continue to believe that only tolls are necessary, then not only do you not know what PPTA means, but you haven't read the toll studies to know that tolls are a part of the formula, but not the whole story. Saying something does not make it so, and while private enterprise is interested in a concession, there must be a public investment as well. If you think for one moment that we can build the six regional projects plus add the HRBT, and properly fund maintenance so we can restart the urban allocation program, without increases in user fees, taxes, and tolls, they you are delusional.

What you need to do is call the Governor and the VBC, tell them they are wrong and you are right. Problem solved!

The idea that improved infrastructure comes free is as foolish as the idea that there is a free lunch or a free ride. In 2002 we had a chance to avoid this mess with a simple 1% sales tax (excluding food and drugs. The same spineless leadership in the legislature presented the option as a referendum. I worked on that campaign at the grassroots level. Some of the reasons given for its defeat: 1) There is no transportation problem 2) Vdot can't be trusted 3) Let's send a message and make our lawmakers do their jobs 4) We don't like (name the project) 5. It's only for the port. Well here we are with th project cost going up by $1 million per day, an increasing number of backups and accidents, 340,000 jobs that the port supplies the Commonwealth at risk and underfunded mass transit. VDOT has vastly improved through key dismissals and a non nonsense attitude on being on time and on budget with projects. As far as the legislature "doing their jobs" Well you know what happen..Nothing. If we allow more of the same on Monday shame on us. Oh did I mention evacuation in advance of a catagory 3 hurricane?

You serious Mike? The Marshall Plan..as an example of seeing a positive result from increased taxes? What does the rebuilding of Europe by the allies back in 47 have to do with this? Btw, thank gosh Russia rejected the help or the cold war may have had a different outcome. The MMBT cost $400M in 92 and would cost around $4B now is a really good example Mike, thanks. Of course the GI bill is relevant. How about social security. That's working pretty well huh? I can name 100 total waste of taxes for each. Sitting here looking at the original const pics of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, I'm reminded it's the only bridge tunnel asset actually expanded in the Tidewater (was funded with tolls). Yes, something actually happened Mike. NO tax $$ used. George, your remark that the terrorist are "here" is interesting. Last terror attack here I recall was back in 01. 7 years ago. Yeah, lets pull out of Iraq immediately and Iran can take over. You're right George...you and I disagree and anyone can see you're a rocket scientist with no compare. ha ha he he...no no...you're really a genious. Sorry.

"the Republican word for taxes is 'cuts"

It sure is...just words only though..too funny..both sides us the taxpayers as their own private bank account whenever the WANT not need arises..but the Rep'n party is the worst, they spout cut taxes but NEVER do raising the hopes of millions only to dash them by sitting on their hands till the next vote comes around...and then spouting the same garbarge but never implementing the verb "cutting"...

I don't think I've read any post that said Democrats don't raise taxes, and yes both parties are guilty. But do remember one thing, the Republican word for taxes is 'cuts".

Bla, bla, bla ... the real problem is that the 6 MPO projects do not offer any significant congestion relief. With all 6 MPO projects completed in 15 to 20 years the HRPDC states a 2% reduction in the percentage of severely congested lane miles. If we do not build any of the 6 project, the percentage of severely congested lane miles increases by only 3%. These estimates were made BEFPORE gas prices began to spike and BEFORE carrier task forces were on the chopping block to be relocated out of our region. With gas prices soaring, the adverse impact of tourism was not factored by the HRPDC. Folks - the MPO plan is the wrong plan. Things have changed yet the business lobby keeps pushing the wrong plan.

The Democrats have never raised taxes? When it comes down to it, ALL politicians from DC to home get in the groove of power and spending. They think the are running a business, but instead of improving the product to boost sales and revenue, they just boost "sales" by collecting more taxes. They are ALL guilty of it, on both sides of the aisle. If they had to really budget the money like you and I do for our own homes, they would all be "out in the street" or they would learn in a hurry how to streamline.

I have heard numerous elected officials speak about our transportation problems recently. Regardless of party or position, they all acknowledge that VDOT has had serious problems in the past, but they are working on reforming them. They also say, and I believe them, that VDOT is much better than it used to be, due to reforms started by former director Phil Shucet.

We the people need to make sure that process continues, but we are foolish if we delay needed road construction based on VDOT's track record of several years ago, and ignore its ongoing improvement.

"The war in Iraq is necessary evil. We need to fight the terrorists. So we chose the battlefield and in doing so we also got a brutal dictator out of the way. It is better to bring the fight to them, then to have them bring it here."

Over and over the Bush Republicans say the same thing, but what you won't admit is the terrorist are already here and our troops are over there. My point was the amount, and the waste of money spent on a war of lies presented to the American people by Republicans George Bush, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove. Republicans are not above spending billions of taxpayer dollars.

Comrade Kaine needn't raise taxes. All he needs to do is dissolve the bloated, corrupt and grossly incompetent VDOT. Disband them immediately, and put the current and future projects out to bid. Once private companies have been chosen, pay them only for their materials. Withhold final payment until the job is complete. That's it. Very simple really.

And in the meantime, remove and scrap those stupid digital signs VDOT erected all over the place. Half the bulbs are burned out and the information is rarely correct. Ditto the radio station (610 AM) and the 511 automated info line. Always wrong.

Why don't democrats ever try to fix a mess before they reach into my pocket and throw more of my money at a diaster like VDOT?

What an incredible shame that one of our own, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, has not stepped up to the plate to acknowledge what a majority of citizens from throughout the Commonwealth have said; our state has a transportation crisis, it is getting worse, and we know that we must pay higher taxes, fees, and tolls to solve this problem. You would think that a statewide office holder who aspires to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth would accede to that which is known not only by the members of every major business association in Hampton Roads, by the CEO’s of most major corporations in the Commonwealth, but by almost every citizen in this state. To continue to talk about the past yet refuse to confront the present and the future is not what I would have expected from a statewide elected official, especially one who aspires to be Governor. And for those delegates and senators who think that calling for an audit of VDOT will somehow build roads, or transit systems, or airports and seaports, let me suggest that the citizens of this great Commonwealth will see that for exactly what it is; simply another tactic that will lead to further delay, deterioration, and adde

I have to point out one glaring fact here: there wouldn't be a problem with the transportation issue if VDoT would not have the propensity of overspending and working on projects that are nilly willy as well issues that points to VDoT's incompetence.
I present to you the following examples of overspending and incompetence.
The I64 Mercury boulevard mess: it was way overbudget and took VDoT longer to complete.
The HRBT tunnel doors fiasco.
The incident where a sign fell onto a car on 264, I believe. This could have been prevented by simple maintenance.
So in light of all of this, what does it seem regardless of whatever Transportation bill is acceptable, VDoT will waste more money engaging in further shenigans?
Disband VDoT and start over. There's a chunk of the problem with our roads right now.

Well that comment..."(H)history shows tax increases simply take money away from the economic engine..." is false, and demonstratively so. I call as examples three events: the Marshall Plan, the original GI Bill, and the construction of I-664 and the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. All were projects of significant scale which had profoundly positive effects. In the case of the Marshall Plan, the investment was interdisciplinary, but I can't believe that even an ardent Libertarian would argue that we should not have stimulated the revitalization of Europe. Second, the GI Bill prompted the creation of wealth through edeucation that is unparalleled in the history of this nation. Third, to bring a local example, the development I-664 corridor and the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnell has stimulated private investment that rivals the creation of a new city. In our case, it has created the tri-cities area of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake and created billions of dollars in real estate investment that benefits the entire region. Try again.

Soldiers in the streets to protect us? Protect us from what? Higher taxes? Liberals?

The war in Iraq is necessary evil. We need to fight the terrorists. So we chose the battlefield and in doing so we also got a brutal dictator out of the way. It is better to bring the fight to them, then to have them bring it here.

More taxes will help by forcing people to move out of state, therby reducing taxes. I still think tolls are a viable option. There should tolls on the beltway around DC, along I81, 64 from Richmond, 64, 664, 264, 564 . . .

You seem to think everyone who doesn't agree with you is "cluelss. Not true! Trust me YOU don't have all the answers either, although you think you do. Just remember thinking and knowing are 2 different things. The biggest handout waste the Republicans have done is the war in Iraq. We have spent billions of our tax dollars bombing the heck out of them and will spend billions more rebuilding it, but Republicans continue to claim cut this and cut that. Cut the spending in Iraq and bring our troops home to take care of our own country and our own people.

Can you think of ONE thing we are NOT taxed on???? (we even pay for the air we breath at gas stations to fill our tires) hello???? and yet you want to increase our tax load like it is an infinite bank account to draw from. When will it be enough? When you make for every $100 dollars you are taxed $80? or is that too generous..mabe you will be happy to live off of $10 out of the $100 when they take the other $90 for taxes..

Once you allow an unlimited amount of taxation...how will you stop it? The brainwashing has been done well for many I see...all I see is..how much more can I give ..out of my hard earned doallars..so blind and so trusting that another tax increase will actually go to what they are spouting...people, you are truly lost...and have been drinking the cool aid they have been passing for too long...more taxes...geezes..answer my question, what is NOT taxed? Maybe then you will see how ridiculous many of you sound with more taxation..and WAKE up!

how about this- why do we have to pay higher retail prices, and pay $10.oo more for vehicle registration...lets let kaine and the mayor and all the big wigs who sit on their ass and come up with ways of making their pockets fatter and our pockets empty take a huge pay cut...i'm tired working pay check to pay check and struggling. they keep raising the prices on gas and food and everything else, when do we get a raise..yeah yeah yeah they just raised min wage but that doesn't help the ones who are make just a little more than minimum and still live below proverty. let's collect all the money all those other countries owe us and fix the road that way

"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who do not have it".George Bernard Shaw. Get a grip Barrett. History shows tax increases simply take money away from the economic engine... consumers, and gets zero done. Gov is the least efficient economic machine on the planet. There's a method to get things built now AND get a payback to the state. P3. You keep beating the same drum that has not worked over & over. Gee we never got results from this method before, so lets try the same thing again. Fool.
George, just how much "waste" would you say we could slash? Enough to get the 3 or 4 critical projects needed in the Tidewater? Those are only worth around $4B conservatively. Beleive there's more waste than an entire yr trans budget? You're clueless to the magnitude of the problem. Maybe if we eliminate hurricane gates and cameras we could raise that $4B huh? Fool. Any new taxes lead to new gov programs as they MUST spend the money. Any new Gov program NEVER goes away and must be funded forever. Anything private business can do; government can do better! Right guys?

Kaine proposal also includes a "lock-box" so the new taxes cannot be diverted to other pet projects. Here is a novel idea, how about transferring the funds back to VDOT that were diverted from the last tax increase for road projects. How about taking the lottery funds and transferring them back to their original intent of road projects and schools. Gov. Wilder diverted those monies to the general fund and very little has return to its original promise when we the people passed the lottery vote. Just divert that money back where it belongs. You want to raise taxes for pet projects then tell us what they are and not hide behind taxes for roads.

I don't really understand the cynicism of posters who claim that we can't solve this problem. Any citizen with a modicum of common sense knows that investment in public infrastructure like roads, utilities, rail, airports, and seaports, produces its own economic effect. It produces jobs, tax revenue, investment, and results is sustained and meaningful increases in the regional economy. Frankly, that is why business people want to see the transportation system impoved and are willing to pay their share in increased taxes, fees, and tolls. Afterall, we are paying now for the cost of congestion in reduced time and productivity at work, and in less time with families and friends due to longer commutes and wait at every choke point in the region. Sure we will all pay a bit more in taxes, but the fiscal dividend we will get from transportation improvements with far exceed the taxes and tolls we will pay. Starve the system, and we will become a backwater.

Very well said and I totally agree. The only thing the Republicans are doing is singing the same old song without offering any solutions. The GA Republicans are sitting on their duff, bedaming any thing other than what they want, but the don't even know what they want. They will continue to put our transportation needs on the back burner, doing nothing while the costs will be over the top a decade from now. The ONLY solution is to vote them OUT. We have had enought of do nothing Republicans in VA.