By Ronald W. Brenke, P.E., Executive Director
I have to admit it was discouraging to see Proposal 1 fail after a lot of hard work by many members of the Safe Roads YES coalition. But the vast majority of Michiganders did not like what was offered – period. Now it is time for the legislators to show leadership and find a long-term funding solution that will fix Michigan roads. No gimmicks and no complicated proposals that need approval by the voters. Many of voters already felt resentment this issue was punted to voters in the first place, let’s not try that again.
Another common theme heard from taxpayers is a general lack of trust with state government. Again, it is time for the legislature to provide a solution that will help regain the trust of the public. No more hand-picked projects by legislators who want to get re-elected. MDOT and local governments have done a great job implementing an asset management system that they know precisely which roads and bridges need to be fixed first and the type of fix that is needed. Provide the funding and let the professionals use the tools they have to improve the quality of our transportation system based on science, not on politics.
We must act now. Every day we delay sufficient funding, it will cost taxpayers more to fix our roads. Some 23 other states have taken the step in the past few years to increase the investment in their transportation system. Many solutions have been simple gas tax or registration fee increases, but they all have found a way regardless of the makeup of their legislative bodies. Michigan needs an infusion of funding now – so let’s keep it simple and get it done. We can discuss other alternative solutions while we begin to repair our roads and bridges – but waiting is not an option.
Safety is a concern and should not be taken lightly. Poor roads affect so many people in so many ways. Whether it is a first responder, a farmer trying to get his/her grain to market, a school bus full of children, or just a motorist trying to get to work, many of the roads are in poor condition and people are becoming more at risk of getting injured on Michigan roads.
So let’s get this done while the state budget is being developed. No summer break until a solution is found. Legislators have a golden opportunity to get the job done and win back public support. They must show leadership and do what is right for Michigan.
I have to admit it was discouraging to see Proposal 1 fail after a lot of hard work by many members of the Safe Roads YES coalition. But the vast majority of Michiganders did not like what was offered – period. Now it is time for the legislators to show leadership and find a long-term funding solution that will fix Michigan roads. No gimmicks and no complicated proposals that need approval by the voters. Many of voters already felt resentment this issue was punted to voters in the first place, let’s not try that again.
Another common theme heard from taxpayers is a general lack of trust with state government. Again, it is time for the legislature to provide a solution that will help regain the trust of the public. No more hand-picked projects by legislators who want to get re-elected. MDOT and local governments have done a great job implementing an asset management system that they know precisely which roads and bridges need to be fixed first and the type of fix that is needed. Provide the funding and let the professionals use the tools they have to improve the quality of our transportation system based on science, not on politics.
We must act now. Every day we delay sufficient funding, it will cost taxpayers more to fix our roads. Some 23 other states have taken the step in the past few years to increase the investment in their transportation system. Many solutions have been simple gas tax or registration fee increases, but they all have found a way regardless of the makeup of their legislative bodies. Michigan needs an infusion of funding now – so let’s keep it simple and get it done. We can discuss other alternative solutions while we begin to repair our roads and bridges – but waiting is not an option.
Safety is a concern and should not be taken lightly. Poor roads affect so many people in so many ways. Whether it is a first responder, a farmer trying to get his/her grain to market, a school bus full of children, or just a motorist trying to get to work, many of the roads are in poor condition and people are becoming more at risk of getting injured on Michigan roads.
So let’s get this done while the state budget is being developed. No summer break until a solution is found. Legislators have a golden opportunity to get the job done and win back public support. They must show leadership and do what is right for Michigan.
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