Kaine poised to break tax promise
By Brian Kirwin | Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 | Catch-All“Kaine, the lieutenant governor, said he is opposed to increasing Virginia’s tax of 17.5 cents per gallon on gas and will veto any tax increases for roads until the state passes a constitutional amendment that prohibits lawmakers from using money in the transportation fund for other purposes.” Washington Post October 9, 2005
Seems that’s out the window, like Kaine’s promise to implement the death penalty. RTD reports that Kaine’s huddled with his tax friends and a poll that shows Virginians truly want their taxes raised.
Well, if that’s true, let’s test it! Let’s have a referendum.
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About the author
The right wants to jeer him. The left wants to censor him. Moderates usually want both. Brian Kirwin is a political consultant and public relations strategist in Virginia Beach with a lightning-rod flair. Brian also serves on the VB Arts & Humanities Commission and frequently appears on Hampton Roads theatrical stages, if only to prove that all actors aren’t liberals. Kirwin’s columns stir up debate and hit the political scene with no punches pulled.
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6 Responses to "Kaine poised to break tax promise"
He also ran on a platform of opposing regional authorities – his opponet, Jerry Kilgore, supported regional authorities.
It seems that Gov. Kaine figures what the heck, just say whatever to get elected.
Of course, that is not a Democratic failure in ethics or a Republican failure in ethics, it is a common practice for many politicians.
I’m pretty sure VA doesn’t do referendums:
http://www.iandrinstitute.org/Virginia.htm
For a state that doesn’t do referendums, we sure have a lot of them.
Believe it or not Brian, the state has to actually use money to build and pay for things. Populations grow and so do our demands, and spending cuts arent enough…sometimes.
Ian,
No one on this blog has ever denied that you get what you pay for…in fact, it might be our motto.
Actually Ian, that is not entirely accurate. The Commonwealth (not state) in fact borrows, by issuing bonds, and then uses borrowed money to build and pay for things. In the current economic environment additional new borrowing, and issuing low interest tax free bonds is not exactly economic stimulus. Compounded with the fact we must compete with worldwide emerging economies for materials and given the weaker purchasing power of the U.S. dollar the game has change. Granted we must maintain what we have, but expanding public framework at this juncture is just not prudent. Also, population grows? I think if you look at the demo graphs, you will find regional growth, at least on the Southside is relatively flat.
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