Californians express concerns against repeal
Proponents of California Proposition 6 say they want to eliminate the gas tax, but what they are really doing is putting citizen’s safety and the state’s economic growth at risk. Many Californians, from bicyclists to big business, have voiced their opinions to local media about Prop. 6. A number of them tell personal stories about how a repeal of S.B. 1 will impact their community directly and our state at large.
Facts instead of fight
There is an African proverb that states, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” When there is a conflict of powers, smaller people really lose out. Over the last couple of years, our nation has become divided into red and blue, Republican or Democrat. In the process, the citizens of this country and important needs get lost during the skirmishes.
Funding for infrastructure should be a bipartisan issue. After all, Republicans like Eisenhower helped create the nation’s highway system and Reagan urged for monies to keep it repaired. Even President Trump supports a federal tax increase for infrastructure. Yet, some suggest by suggesting this repeal, the Republican Party has become a “‘win at all costs political party’. . . willing to sell their souls for ‘30 pieces of silver.’”
In California, where infrastructure rates as some of the worst in the nation, funds are desperately needed for repairs and upgrades. Californians who have heard the many myths know there are reasons to be skeptical of this ballot initiative. The facts can’t be disputed and shouldn’t be ignored.
Turn opinions into votes
The many citizens who have voiced their opinions in the media about Prop. 6 not only want their voice heard, but hope others will be influenced to understand that during this difficult political climate, repairing roads and bridges should not be polarizing. Better is possible; we can’t afford to pass Prop. 6.
Newspapers across the state and across the nation agree:
The Tribune (San Luis Obispo): “This money, provided by the passage of SB1 last year, is key to solving our tough road problems…”
The Los Angeles Times: “Infrastructure isn’t cheap, and Californians will pay the price no matter what. Delaying maintenance only makes the work more expensive later on and the system more dangerous. Or we can pay a little more at the gas pump now for a smoother, safer and more efficient transportation system. Take the responsible road and vote no on Proposition 6.”
Ventura County Star: “Maintenance of our roads competes with dozens of other services that our cities and county provide, and it does not always get the priority it deserves. . . This is really a question of public safety. When you consider how much time you spend on our local roads each day, doesn’t it make sense to pay to maintain and improve the roads that our parents and grandparents built for us? When there is an emergency at your home or workplace, don’t you want police and fire officials to get there quickly on safe, modern roads?”
The New York Times: “The United States cannot help avert global cataclysm without breaking its automobile addiction. . . To do that, it must provide safe, reliable, and affordable transportation alternatives and increase the price of driving to more accurately reflect the harm it does to our collective future.”
Whether Democrat or Republican, blue or red, by voting NO on Prop.6, you really cast a vote for investing in infrastructure. It shouldn’t be about party; it’s about people — all Californians — their safety, employment and economic opportunities. On some level, we all want our state and America to be great. This cannot be accomplished via potholed streets, crumbling bridges and clogged freeways. Funds from SB 1 can be put toward getting these fixed and making us greater. Vote NO on Prop. 6 to make these vital funds available for the next 10 years.
