Taking a Toll

May 19, 2011 at 4:56 AM

By: CAROL VOYLES

Gasoline prices in 1975 averaged under $.50 per gallon. In 2000 they averaged $1.95. Now they are $4.00. The bridge toll has remained the same.

While no one enjoys price increases, it’s hardly realistic to suggest that a $2.50 toll increase will cause our economy to crash. There are far more relevant factors. Gasoline prices have risen 800 percent since 1975. Middle class wages haven’t risen in three decades. We have suffered a self-inflicted recession due to the housing bubble. Those who have survived all of this are unlikely to stop coming to the Eastern Shore now due to a toll increase.

Rep. Andy Harris is urging everyone to complain. That’s not a solution. He decries the practice of taking funds from other budgets, and won’t consider raising taxes. Where does he suggest we get funds to maintain the bridge? Has he identified wasteful spending that might be targeted? Perhaps he endorses Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty’s solution: Cut taxes, revenues, and maintenance; and then wait for the bridge to fall down.

Most of us realize that we must maintain our infrastructure if we expect to thrive. Our more rugged, self-reliant citizens may prefer to build their own bridges or swim across; but most of us expect realistic solutions.

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