Roads First

How they're using transportation taxes vs what they "intended"/promised

Sen Hill, Thank you for the quick response. This is what I know...Sounds like its state money. To be honest, as someone who often drives off the center of the lane to avoid the deteriorating tire ruts in the road while new sidewalks and bike lanes are  being installed,  whether it is being funded by state vs country money is  a difference

without a distinction. I suppose that at some point the roads will actually have to be fixed, which will take another tax increase - and whether it’s a state or county increase, it still comes out of our pockets. 

Again, thanks for your immediate response. I'm not trying to be aggressive or disrespectful in any way -- you guys have a tough job and I know that at any given moment, at least half of the citizenry is unhappy with you.  Still, we're being hit with increased taxes from all levels - local, county, state and federal. I would just like to make sure the money is being spent for what needs to be done.

Plan to add bike, turn lanes to Peachtree Road gets mixed response - Atlanta  Business Chronicle_

(http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/morning_call/2015/10/plan-to-add-bike-turn-lanes-to-peachtree-road-gets.html) 

Buckhead residents voice opposition to bike lanes on Peachtree Road - Atlanta INtown Paper_

(http://www.atlantaintownpaper.com/2015/10/buckhead-residents-voice-opposition-to-bike-lanes-on-peachtree-road/)

Regards, John Robinson

Comments

I thank John for attacking this problem. I agree that if the gasoline tax is a “use tax”, then it should all be spent of road and bridge maintenance, expansion and replacement. The real reason I insist on this is more practical.  Asphalt roads deteriorate completely after 50 years.  Atlanta Metro has been on a 50 year plan for decades and these roads are costing triple to replace, because the road beds are rotten.

The same can be said for storm sewers, waste sewers and water treatment.  Bike lanes and sidewalks don’t cost triple if we stop building them, but roads do.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader