Meanwhile, in the Hoosier State: "Indiana lawmakers should be leery of the governor’s now-or-never approach."
Editorial
Toll road rush could be costly
Jan. 29, 2006
The Journal Gazette
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Copyright 2006
“And for those who say they are still opposed, we have a question of our own: What’s your idea?” – Gov. Mitch Daniels, in a Journal Gazette commentary published in response to an editorial critical of his Major Moves initiatives.
“We believe there are funding alternatives that will allow the state to make wiser use of revenues and stop this administration’s policy of selling off our state’s assets,” – House Minority Leader Patrick Bauer, announcing an alternative plan of bonding on proposed toll increases and federal gas tax revenues.
“This isn’t a plan. This is a joke,” – Daniels’ budget director, Chuck Schalliol, in response to the Democrats’ plan.
If Gov. Mitch Daniels is truly interested in hearing anything other than accolades for his sketchy transportation program, it’s hard to tell. His administration’s dismissive response to the House Democrats’ proposal is indicative of more than partisan politics. It shows the governor’s contempt for the political process and for an honest discussion of Indiana’s economic future.
Hoosiers should demand that the General Assembly put the brakes on the governor’s Major Moves proposal. His unrelenting push to lease the Indiana Toll Road to an overseas consortium is an affront to those who have raised legitimate questions about the implications of such a policy and to those who have urged him to exercise caution.
The Democrats’ plan would earmark revenues generated from the already-announced toll increases to support $800 million in 20-year bonds. In addition, they propose using federal Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds to borrow against gasoline tax revenues, which would produce another $800 million over 20 years.
There’s no doubt that an immediate payout of $3.85 billion seems more attractive. The “astounding sum,” as the governor characterizes it, is obviously enticing to contractors clamoring for a piece of the payout. It’s also enticing to Hoosiers who will benefit from new infrastructure without paying higher tolls or taxes.
But the prospect of instant gratification doesn’t excuse due diligence in studying the governor’s plan or in examining the alternative proposals that he himself asked for. His argument that Indiana must act fast before other states jump in is specious. A day after Daniels announced the toll road bid results, Texas’ Harris County commissioners authorized $1 million to study options for an 83-mile toll system. They will separately investigate selling the toll road authority, leasing it or keeping it county-owned.
“We have no preconceived notions,” the county budget and management director was quoted in the Houston Chronicle. “It may be county-owned is the best way to go.”
Indiana lawmakers should be leery of the governor’s now-or-never approach. If Texas officials, whom Daniels has cited as leaders in public-private transportation partnerships, are spending $1 million to study the issue and taking until June to make a decision, what is the rush here?
The governor invited other ideas. He should now allow them to be aired. Otherwise, the General Assembly – and Hoosier taxpayers – could pay a steep price.
Copyright 2006 Knight Ridder www.fortwayne.com
Toll road rush could be costly
Jan. 29, 2006
The Journal Gazette
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Copyright 2006
“And for those who say they are still opposed, we have a question of our own: What’s your idea?” – Gov. Mitch Daniels, in a Journal Gazette commentary published in response to an editorial critical of his Major Moves initiatives.
“We believe there are funding alternatives that will allow the state to make wiser use of revenues and stop this administration’s policy of selling off our state’s assets,” – House Minority Leader Patrick Bauer, announcing an alternative plan of bonding on proposed toll increases and federal gas tax revenues.
“This isn’t a plan. This is a joke,” – Daniels’ budget director, Chuck Schalliol, in response to the Democrats’ plan.
If Gov. Mitch Daniels is truly interested in hearing anything other than accolades for his sketchy transportation program, it’s hard to tell. His administration’s dismissive response to the House Democrats’ proposal is indicative of more than partisan politics. It shows the governor’s contempt for the political process and for an honest discussion of Indiana’s economic future.
Hoosiers should demand that the General Assembly put the brakes on the governor’s Major Moves proposal. His unrelenting push to lease the Indiana Toll Road to an overseas consortium is an affront to those who have raised legitimate questions about the implications of such a policy and to those who have urged him to exercise caution.
The Democrats’ plan would earmark revenues generated from the already-announced toll increases to support $800 million in 20-year bonds. In addition, they propose using federal Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds to borrow against gasoline tax revenues, which would produce another $800 million over 20 years.
There’s no doubt that an immediate payout of $3.85 billion seems more attractive. The “astounding sum,” as the governor characterizes it, is obviously enticing to contractors clamoring for a piece of the payout. It’s also enticing to Hoosiers who will benefit from new infrastructure without paying higher tolls or taxes.
But the prospect of instant gratification doesn’t excuse due diligence in studying the governor’s plan or in examining the alternative proposals that he himself asked for. His argument that Indiana must act fast before other states jump in is specious. A day after Daniels announced the toll road bid results, Texas’ Harris County commissioners authorized $1 million to study options for an 83-mile toll system. They will separately investigate selling the toll road authority, leasing it or keeping it county-owned.
“We have no preconceived notions,” the county budget and management director was quoted in the Houston Chronicle. “It may be county-owned is the best way to go.”
Indiana lawmakers should be leery of the governor’s now-or-never approach. If Texas officials, whom Daniels has cited as leaders in public-private transportation partnerships, are spending $1 million to study the issue and taking until June to make a decision, what is the rush here?
The governor invited other ideas. He should now allow them to be aired. Otherwise, the General Assembly – and Hoosier taxpayers – could pay a steep price.
Copyright 2006 Knight Ridder
posted by Porkus Maximus Tex: at Sunday, January 29, 2006
<< Home