New solutions for transportation

OUR OPINION
Published: May 15, 2008

With the failure of the state’s transportation “solution” featuring the unconstitutional taxing power of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, new methods must be found.

We commend Gov. Timothy M. Kaine for trying to throw some new ideas out there, but we think he should keep on looking.

Kaine is pushing his new investment plan in a series of town hall meetings.

The featured part of his plan is to raise the regional sales tax in Northern Virginia to upgrade its transportation system.

All we have to say to that is, “come on!” Northern Virginia is, by far, the most expensive region of the state to live in and he wants to add to our burden by raising the sales tax ... just on us?

Other parts of Kaine’s plan include an increase in the statewide sales tax on autos and a rise in the statewide vehicle registration fee.

These increases seem more reasonable, especially considering they will be applied across the state and not just in Northern Virginia.

In addressing transportation, the governor first needs to make a concerted effort to get the needed money by cutting other areas of the budget. After that, if he can demonstrate that tax or fee increases are needed, we would be more inclined to back his plan, assuming it doesn’t impose an unfair burden on Northern Virginia.

Northern Virginia is the economic engine of the state. Sure, that means we might have disproportionate transportation needs.

But satisfying these needs is necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of our economy, and by extension, the state. Everybody benefits from the economy of Northern Virginia. Don’t try to hold it down by imposing unfair taxes on it.