Highway Robbery in Texas! -Literally

vanity ^ | October 13th, 2004 | illumini

[Real Cynic No More]

Last I checked, state taxes collected do not go the federal government, or any other state.

Well, you better check again.

[BJClinton]

I don't think that is what we are talking about in Austin.

That is exactly what we are talking about. MOPAC and Ben White have already been built with our taxes.

The state has committed "to not toll any road that already has cars driving on it".

That may be the case re: the State, but the City has different plans.

[BJClinton]

Thank ya kindly.

[Deek]

In my opinion, bonds are more fair for some roads than others. For example, using bonds to fund 130 would have been unfair, since the majority of the traffic on that road would not have been local traffic.

Using a bond would have resulted in local tax-payers funding an Austin by-pass for the NAFTA corridor. Out-of-state truckers get a free road, funded by Austin tax payers.

For local roads (360 expansion) bonds may make more sense, in my opinion.

[MAWG]

Are you a conservative? Do you support George Bush or are you gonna vote for John Kerry? Have you ever been to Austin or lived in Austin?

I am a stone cold conservative Bush supporter.

[BJClinton]

I heard a great idea, pay off a local bond with tolls then remove the toll booths.

[Swankette]

I have a picture of my daughters wearing Bush Cheney in 2004 hats on my desk in my office...my entire family lives in Austin...sister off of 183, brother just opened a sports lounge on Colorado btwn. 4th and 5th, Mom and Dad and bother live just off of I-35....

I can spell it for you if you need me to
C O N S E R V A T I V E

[Deek]

That is exactly what we are talking about. MOPAC and Ben White have already been built with our taxes.

I don't believe either Mopac or Ben White is complete. The use of tolls $$ will allow both of those projects to be compelted in early 2005, rather than 2007.

The city may have other plans. I only know what I read in the paper. Either way, I would gladly pay the toll on Ben White (290) in order get the project done quicker.

[Deek]

I heard a great idea, pay off a local bond with tolls then remove the toll booths.

I agree it is a good idea. At least lower the toll to only the amount required to maintain the road. I'm guessing neither of us are betting on that happening.

I lived in Dallas for years. The turnpike (I30) was "un-tolled" after being paid for. DNT was not, rather the additional $$ were used to build 190. Since I used 190 to get to work (saving about 45 minutes), I thought it a great idea, but not everyone agreed.

[MAWG]

Thank You. Meant no offense, We get a lot of trolls here who waste time and dont add anything substantive to the dialogue. In the years I've been visiting this site, I have learned so very much from other Freepers. This site, to me, is an invaluable source of information and I place a great deal of value in it.Welcome aboard. I'll stop the bulldog on a short leash stuff.

I visit Austin frequently, but it is bittersweet. Almost painful. So much is gone. Cant even go to the Nighthawk for a Down South anymore.

[Swankette]

Hey no harm done - we conservatives must stick together and we are a passionate group I might add. I am not in Austin either- moved to New York about a year ago for a job. Try being a conservative out here....there are not many of us that is for sure. But it sure is fun wearing that Bush Cheney hat around town. Maybe we'll both get back to Austin and I can buy you a beer.

Thanks for the welcome!

[jrawk]

I agree that the scope of the road and the scope of the bond should match. And in fact something as limited as a bridge for port of entry, or roads for the airport for that matter should be paid for directley by that entity. I would even take that down to the level of could de sacs or roads being designed for non-neighborhood traffic be paid for by the developer or neighbors. (as it used to be, and in some sense, developers, still is)

-- lates
-- jrawk

[Deek]

Cant even go to the Nighthawk for a Down South anymore.

It broke my heart the night it burnt. Even though I live west of town, I still spend as much time in South Austin as possible. SA still has much of the "old" flavor.

[MAWG]

Thanks. We'll meet at the Broken Spoke for a pitcher of Shiner Bock.

[MAWG]

I'll head that way, Deek, next time I am in town. Thanks for the info.

[Swankette]

Maybe we'll even get lucky and see Willie there!

[Melas]

Actually we're one of the few states that actively legislates against speed traps. In Texas, a town, county municipality etc, can only collect a certain percentage of it's revenue from traffic fines. The legislation was put into place because some small towns were doing just that, funding themselves with motorist dollars.

[Deek]

And in fact something as limited as a bridge for port of entry, or roads for the airport for that matter should be paid for directley by that entity.

Setting aside toll vs. bond, I think we are in violent agreement. Pay for what you use.

[DrewsDad]

IIRC, SOS opposed McCracken and Thomas. Wynn was a little more reasonable on the stringent smoking ordinance(not that I care for smoking) than the previous council majority.

[MeekOneGOP]

Highway Robbery in Texas! - Literally

MeekOneGOP, do you have the entire Tx ping list for this?

Most certainly. Heads up, Texans!

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