This is in response to a recent GantDaily news article, in which state Rep. Camille “Bud” George 74th, Houtzdale, used the temporary bridge closing and detour in Irvona to rationalize his vote in favor of tolling Interstate 80.
In the article, Mr. George said, “The proposal to place tolls on Interstate 80 is far from perfect. However, no painless or perfect plan will ever exist, and it is irresponsible to just say no to tolls on I-80 without offering a viable alternative that would provide immediate funding for our vital infrastructure.”
Rep. George just doesn’t get it. There IS a viable alternative which would, no doubt, be painful. The crux of the matter lies in answer to this question: Painful for whom?
Rather than selling his constituents down the river, our representative should have chosen to “bite the bullet” and suggest to his colleagues that they do what their constituents must do during tough times: prioritize and economize.
Before laying another burden on the taxpayers, our “leaders” should be the ones doing some belt tightening! With Pennsylvania ranking as one of the most expensive state governments in the nation there are, no doubt, many ways to free up the necessary funds. Here are just a few suggestions:
• Take the millions and millions of our tax dollars that are currently used to buy votes (presented in the form of giant cardboard checks) and earmark them for NEEDED improvements to our infrastructure (was the paving of Rt. 53 in front of Jacob George Ford last year really necessary?)
• Legislators should buy/lease and insure their own vehicles. That’s what your constituents must do!
• No more legislative automatic cost of living raise every December! Your constituents often take pay cuts in order to keep their jobs.
It’s time that our legislators start living within OUR means!
Richard Hansel
Houtzdale