THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 4, 1995 TAG: 9511040015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
The late Harry Flood Byrd said, ``Pay as you go.''
Traffic congestion in Hampton Roads is bad and is getting worse. Traffic congestion is becoming a major problem because the motor-fuel tax is not raising enough money to pay for new roads. A solution to the Hampton Roads congestion problem is a regional gas tax, such as the one in Northern Virginia. But any additional tax is highly controversial.
The public should begin a debate on a Hampton Roads motor-fuel tax. Many hard questions need to be asked and answered. Drivers, transportation experts and other affected people should sound off. The media can publish the debate and express opinions. A democracy works well when the voters get the facts and express their opinions to their elected representatives.
What do you vote for? Get stuck in traffic? Or pay as you go?
EDWARD R. BAIRD JR.
Norfolk, Oct. 31, 1995 by CNB