
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 15, 1991                   TAG: 9102150656
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MUCH HARDSHIP FROM GASOLINE-TAX INCREASE

I DO NOT agree with your editorial arguing for a 50-cent tax increase on every gallon of gasoline. This may be affordable to those of high income, but for people like me it would be impossible to pay.

While such a tax would bring in more money and might reduce mileage, it would work a hardship on those who must drive to work and those retired on low income. Since there are places with no public transportation, like Salem, where I live now, persons like myself would be reduced to walking. In my case it would mean a two-mile hike to the supermarket with heavy bags to carry one way. I am in my 80s, so this would be a real strain.

As for those who must drive to their jobs: Car-pooling is not always practical. Having to spend an extra $10 a week to get to work would be a burden on the low-paid. Of course, they could take it away from something else, thus depriving the merchants of some profit. I don't see this as reasonable.

Please bear in mind, when presenting these "grand solutions," that they would not fit everyone, as you seem to think. LENORE MICHAELSON SALEM

by CNB