January 23, 2006
After a campaign void of specifics on how he would govern, newly inaugurated Governor Tim Kaine finally began to define his four year plan for Virginia.
Among other things, he has committed to work to create job opportunities in rural Virginia and to work with legislators of both political parties. Toward that goal, he took pride in announcing a new industry for the Brunswick-Mecklenburg Industrial Park that local leaders had been working to attract for the last several months. All of us are willing to work with the Governor in efforts to put Southside Virginians back to work.
In his speech to Virginians before the General Assembly on Monday evening, he also stressed his interest in improving the transportation system of the Common-wealth. This was a theme he had spoken on many times since the election and he released his proposals last Friday.
Rather than going into his proposed solution or the solution others have talked about, I will say that everyone in Richmond agrees there are problems that must be addressed in our road and rail system. But we do differ as to the severity of and solution to the problem.
Proponents of expensive road projects highlight traffic gridlock in Northern Virginia and Tidewater. However, the voters rejected the opportunity to pay higher gasoline taxes just a couple of years ago. Therefore, unless traffic has changed drastically in the last two years, it makes me wonder if people are ready to pay higher taxes as a means of combating the traffic dilemma.
Clearly, getting people to and from work in those areas and getting manufactured goods in and out of our ports should be a priority of our transportation system. There is no doubt that both Tidewater and Northern Virginia are driving forces in a strong Virginia economy that provides services for all Virginians - including those of our region.
Likewise, we must balance service with cost. Which is more cost effective – paying more fees for our road system or having more frequent car maintenance such as front-end alignments because of potholes?
I am also making sure that everyone in Richmond is cognizant of the fact that those in Southern Virginia have the lowest household income in the state and also have to drive longer distances on average to their jobs.
Governor Kaine's transportation proposal calls for a combination of increases that will affect some groups greater than others. He has proposed increases on the titling tax when a vehicle is purchased plus a greater tax on the insurance for cars. In addition, he has proposed a big increase in court fines for those convicted of motor vehicle infractions. Others legislators have also proposed phasing out the sales tax exemption on gasoline.
With all the talk about transportation, I am certain there will be other proposals in the coming week in addition to the ones we have heard about thus far. The final compromise will probably look far different than any one proposal -- but instead will be a combination of ideas from across the state.
As for me, I will listen carefully to what you, my constituents have to say and will analyze carefully what is best for the Southside economy in the long run.
While I always encourage you to contact me if there are any issues of concern, I would especially encourage you to contact my office and let me know your thoughts on Virginia's transportation situation. If there are any proposals of interest to you or if you have a suggestion that you believe to be a better than those circulating, please let me know.
You can reach me by email, by telephone at 804-698-7515 or by mail at P.O. Box 396, Richmond, VA 23218.