Email I sent to: 'Stewart, Corey A.'; 'scott@scotthirons.com'; 'Del_BMarshall@house.state.va.us'; 'Del_Lingamfelter@house.state.va.us'; 'Del_Parrish@house.state.va.us'; 'delegate@va52.com'; 'district39@sov.state.va.us'; 'district36@sov.state.va.us'; 'district29@sov.state.va.us'; 'district28@sov.state.va.us'; 'Del_BMarshall@house.state.va.us'
Thanks to the Delegates, Senator O'Brien, and Scott for hosting last nights town hall. Although I could only stay until the Q&A began, I'd like to make a couple of points (although I imagine they were made at the Q&A session).
First, I firmly believe (even before I saw all the presentations) that if the HOV-3 rule was strictly applied (i.e., more police patrols, no exemptions, etc.), then all of this would be moot.
Second, I don't think anyone needs to spend hundreds of billions of dollars fix the congestion. In addition, I don't think that commuters would benefit. Take a look at Dulles tollroad. Just this morning I heard that it was jammed. And this AFTER increasing tolls by 25 cents to help fund the incredibly financially-irresponsible Metro system.
I can't believe that eventually, HOV would be come a full-bodied toll road in the future. With housing going through the roof, how many add'l commuters do you think will be on the roads? And these contractors think that 1-rider/car paying would HELP? Unbelievable. However, they are a business and they are trying to make a sale so I do understand where they are coming from. But still, someone is blowing smoke up my skirt.
Bottomline, it would be irresponsible for the delegates/congressman/senators to address this problem by trying an option that would cost Hundereds of Billions of dollars. At a minimum, it makes absolutely no sense. What should happen FIRST is to try the least expensive (and I believe most effective) manner first; THEN, think of the other alternatives. Cynical as I am, I believe that we will eventually have to pay for any road work but if that's the last alternative, I can live with it.
Anyway, those are my initial thoughts on the subject. Again, thank you for hosting and being generous with your time.
Thanks!! Susan
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