Creigh Deeds is criticized for not specifying revenue sources for transportation improvements. But Bob McDonnell’s “plan” does little to address this serious problem. McDonnell says he will put tolls on
Interstates 95 and 66. But the state was not even able to get permission from the federal government to privatize rest stops. Certainly they will not grant waivers to start new tolls.
McDonnell also proposes to privatize ABC stores as a means of raising revenues. This suggestion has been brought up on several occasions; each time, it has been pointed out that the state raises
much more in revenues from ABC stores than privatization would bring.
It is clear that given the tight budgets in recent years there is no flexibility to raise meaningful revenues by cutting into other budgets such as education and public safety — and certainly not enough to
fund major transportation initiatives. And any candidate who would suggest otherwise either doesn’t understand the budget or is not leveling with voters.
If the state is to bring Virginia into the 21st century for transportation funding, taxpayers must provide additional revenues. And a simple increase of 2-3 cents per gallon would go a long way to providing
these funds. Virginia would still be below national and regional levels.
Deeds is criticized for lack of specificity, but McDonnell clearly does not have a viable plan to fund transportation improvements. In the long run, Deeds has the edge for addressing this issue.
KEVIN M. RAYMOND
Dale City
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