Perry's road revolution could take electoral toll

Austin American-Statesman ^ | August 20, 2006 | Ben Wear

[Paleo Conservative]

Kinky looks sillier by the day (Willie "I-don't-pay-taxes" Nelson in a created state office?), and Strayhorn's office keeps putting out press releases that helps Perry by pointing out how strong the Texas economy is.

And Kinky shows his ignorance, because the governor of Texas doesn't have the authority to create statewide appointive positions by himself. Anyway most statewide positions are elected in Texas.

[Paleo Conservative]

One vote is all he needs to beat each of the others by. I think he'll do it easier than a lot of the Kinky-Strayhorn crowd is prophesying.

I agree with that, but I still think Bell will finish fourth.

[Doctor Stochastic]

Traffic may be a problem but what makes anyone think that the big toll road from Laredo to Sherman is the solution?

Should traffic be shunted through Arlington or around the Metroplex? Originally, the Interstate system was supposed to ring cities (Eisenhower's plan) but Gore (Senior) got it revised to divert traffic right through the middle of towns.

If the highway should run through the middle of town, should the pipelines also do so? (And the rail lines?_

Is it just a scheme to transfer tax monies to Spain through the guise of tolls?

[Hydroshock]

I work in downtown Houston on Smith street.

[deport]

Thanks so you do drive the area roads and I'm assuming you aren't self employed such that you can set your own work schedule to avoid the major traffic times.

225 west and maybe I-45 north towards downtown I'm sure is jamed during rush hours. Anyway good luck on your commutes.

[ARealMothersSonForever]

My preliminary estimate is that the school bonds will drive mine up this year again.

You are referring to county taxes. The governor does not set county tax rates. And we have no state income tax today. Bell/Kinky/Strayhorn all want a state income tax, and will press the legislature to amend our state constitution to allow one. This right on the heels of Anne Richards' "Robin Hood" scheme being rule unconstitutional.

[humblegunner]

As folks sit in traffic jams next to toxic cargo in trucks will love this.

What toxic cargo? Did you happen to note placards?
If there is less than 1000 lbs of any hazardous material no truck
is required to placard a load. Does this "toxic cargo" somehow
leap out of the truck and attack folks?

I seem to be missing your point here.

[Paleo Conservative]

If the highway should run through the middle of town, should the pipelines also do so? (And the rail lines?

The TTC corridors are being laid out away from cities. They will connect to cities via existing highways. The map of the proposed corridors below shows that they won't go through cities. This will cut down on intercity traffic going through the middle of cities like Austin and creating congestion.

Once the rail portions of the TTC are built, I wouldn't be surprised if Union Pacific abandoned some of their existing rights of way. What would be the point of maintaining their own rights of way with worn out rails and grade level crossings when the TTC corridors will have brand new rails on a state of the art right of way with absolutely no grade level crossings. This will improve safety, and the rail roads will be able to operate at 85 mph from one state border to another state border.

[Dog Gone]

The concept is brilliant, the financing is novel, it's a great thing.

It's being opposed by luddites, birchers, and retards in general.

[CenTex]

You are very good at name calling. How about filling in a little more info in your profile rather than hiding behind a bunch of .jpg's. I would like to know where you are coming from other than the great socialist state of California... Do Texas a favor and go back home... and take Goodhair with you so that he can build a Trans California Corridor from San Francisco to Tiajuna.

You, sir, have no idea of Texas Traditions and Texan's love of land and independence.

As far as being a retard, I will be happy to trade IQ scores with you...

[Doctor Stochastic]

But the "newest" version has that running up SH360 between Dallas and Fort Worth rather than ease of Mesquite.

[Paleo Conservative]

But the "newest" version has that running up SH360 between Dallas and Fort Worth rather than ease of Mesquite.

I think that was at the request of Dallas and Fort Worth.

[biff]

Amen, my immediate family of 7(parents, wife, and 3 sons) are not voting for Guv Goodhair either. His property/school tax reduction fiasco, camo-business income tax as well as this TTC nightmare is the end for us. He is a classic RINO that has finally shed his skin.
PS - none of my friends, (personal or business) that are aware of this TTC mumbo jumbo are for him either.

[Doctor Stochastic]

True, but it's still amusing to see a bunch of truck lanes, pipelines, railroad lines, and auto lanes run right through the Rangers and Cowboys stadiums and to the airport. It should cost much more than running it the "previous" route. (Of course, there's the "next" route.)

[Deek]

I am starting wonder if there is a point to debating the "anti-TTC" crowd. Frankly, I suspect a few political hacks working for you-know-who among the group.

I have yet to see a cogent, fact-based argument against the TTC. Most of this noise seems to be feeling based: "Doesn't XXX about the road make you angry." This is all the more reason for me to suspect hacks, as most thoughtful conservatives don't make emotional arguments.

Anyway, thanks for the heads-up.

[Dog Gone]

I didn't call you any name or invite you to leave the state I love.

Somehow you thought I was talking about you and got offended.

This says wonders about you.

Don't even get started about IQ.

[ARealMothersSonForever]

His property/school tax reduction fiasco, camo-business income tax as well as this TTC nightmare is the end for us.

Why did the legislature have to deal with school tax issues? That would be the result of Anne Richards' "Robin Hood" (wealth re-distribution) scheme being ruled a defacto state property tax.

[ARealMothersSonForever]

Texas Public School Finance
When the current Texas public school finance system was established in 1993, it was envisioned to be a temporary measure that would satisfy the courts until the Legislature could come up with a permanent strategy. Eleven years later, the system's inherent weaknesses are becoming increasingly visible, and there is a renewed sense of urgency to find a more permanent solution.

As the Legislature prepares to debate alternatives to the current system, Texas Impact calls on Texas lawmakers to enact a public school finance system that is both FAIR and ENOUGH.
1. Texas' public school finance system must be FAIR, both in how revenues are collected and in how funds are distributed.

Individuals and groups with more resources should contribute at least as large shares as those with fewer resources.
Funds should be distributed so that every Texas child has access to the same quality of education.
2. Texas' public school system must provide ENOUGH to fund the existing school system. Examples of insufficient funding in the current system include overcrowded classrooms, diminished teacher benefits, and use of outdated textbooks.

How does Texas' public school finance system work now?
"The Basics of Texas School Finance" from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), January 2003--a great overview for those who are unfamiliar with school finance

http://www.texasimpact.com/Pages/psf_home.htm

[ARealMothersSonForever]

have yet to see a cogent, fact-based argument against the TTC. Most of this noise seems to be feeling based: "Doesn't XXX about the road make you angry." This is all the more reason for me to suspect hacks, as most thoughtful conservatives don't make emotional arguments.

It is all about the hairstyle of the governor, best that I can tell. After we hear about the land-grab, foreign investment, and the Mexican connection of the TTC-35.

[Hydroshock]

The issues myself and others have with the way school finance was handled do not center on why they had to be handled but the way they were handled. In my way of thinking very poorly and in a way that hurts not helps Texas and Texans.