A common thread among the transportation debate is this unwillingness of some conservatives to support the so-called “unelected” regional authority. While I believe the government that governs best is the one that governs least, I also believe that the most accountable form of government is the one that is closest to you. Which is why I have been a bit flummoxed by the calls from what I will call the “no” section of the Republican Party to any kind of entity that will be appointed by local governments to manage transportation projects and funding.
One of the primary arguments, generally, by people in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads is that gas taxes or any kind of revenue generating scheme, like port fees, etc. ought to have much of that money spent on regional transportation needs. “Getting our fair share” of the money we send to Richmond is commonly offered, even from “no” folks.
I agree with that approach. But who is going to administer it?
If you were to listen to the GOPs “anti” wing, that authority should rest with the state.
The problem that I see with this approach is that if the state appoints a board (or uses VDOT) to manage the administration, then you have folks from C-ville, F-burg, and Bath County determining the appointees to this board. Therefore, any kind of citizen opposition to the decisions made by this board must become state-wide opposition. Besides, the board, again, is an unelected entity, only worse: at the state level.
Capturing regional revenue needs some kind of regional fund that remains outside the normal funding formulas. If you want Hampton Roads gas taxes kept here, it’s got to be kept somewhere. If you want ports to pay for roads in Hampton Roads, some Hampton Roads entity is going to have to receive those funds. Otherwise, on to Richmond it goes.
The counter is that if we did use something akin to the Hampton Roads or Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, (however that might shake-out in the new-and-improved constitutionally viable HB 6055), if there is an elected official or council that is locally not addressing our transportation needs adequately, only a targeted, local campaign will need be waged against that particular elected official or council. This is a far more controllable, and, quite frankly, conservative approach.
It also ensures that money raised in Hampton Roads stays in Hampton Roads — should that be part of current and future transportation bills approved in the General Assembly.
The regional approach gives accountability to the lowest possible level and gives the General Assembly the continued responsibility of funding transportation.
I’m wondering how that’s not a viable solution?
