Question No. 9: Dan Carpenter Response
The budget for transportation is high in Wisconsin, there is no doubt about that. However, the reasons for the cost are somewhat obvious. First, Wisconsin is a northern state where frost and salt take a heavy toll each year. Already, that is going to put us far ahead of southern states. As I have driven the highways over the years I can’t help but notice how quickly nice smooth roads deteriorate into washboards. Unfortunately, that is one of the problems with our climate.
Second, we are a more populous state than, for example, Wyoming. We have more people and more industry and, therefore, require a larger system of roads. It just makes sense that these factors are going to put us in the upper range of expenditures for roads among all the states in the country.
I would hate to see us go to a toll system to fund road projects. We desperately need a solution to improve the “death trap” at the 41/21 exchange and the Butte Des Morts Bridge but I would not want to stop at a tollbooth every time I want to cross. If a toll system were limited to the large freeways around Milwaukee or Madison I might find that a possibility.
I think there is always room for efficiency in any area of government. However, I see our transportation system like the foundation of a house. If it is neglected and crumbles, the house eventually collapses into a hole. We all depend upon our system of roads in one way or another. Whether we use them to get to work or to get groceries to our local supermarket, we all need a good system of roads. There has been much talk about jobs during this campaign. Industry cannot thrive in an environment without a good transportation system.
Local government can always do a better job of stretching available funds. Having been a public servant for 34 years I have seen waste over and over. There is no doubt that this waste can be cut. In order for that to happen, we must all become more vigilant and active in local government affairs. Let’s get up off the couch and attend budget hearings and express our opinions about how our money is spent.
Second, we are a more populous state than, for example, Wyoming. We have more people and more industry and, therefore, require a larger system of roads. It just makes sense that these factors are going to put us in the upper range of expenditures for roads among all the states in the country.
I would hate to see us go to a toll system to fund road projects. We desperately need a solution to improve the “death trap” at the 41/21 exchange and the Butte Des Morts Bridge but I would not want to stop at a tollbooth every time I want to cross. If a toll system were limited to the large freeways around Milwaukee or Madison I might find that a possibility.
I think there is always room for efficiency in any area of government. However, I see our transportation system like the foundation of a house. If it is neglected and crumbles, the house eventually collapses into a hole. We all depend upon our system of roads in one way or another. Whether we use them to get to work or to get groceries to our local supermarket, we all need a good system of roads. There has been much talk about jobs during this campaign. Industry cannot thrive in an environment without a good transportation system.
Local government can always do a better job of stretching available funds. Having been a public servant for 34 years I have seen waste over and over. There is no doubt that this waste can be cut. In order for that to happen, we must all become more vigilant and active in local government affairs. Let’s get up off the couch and attend budget hearings and express our opinions about how our money is spent.
posted by Miles Maguire at 10:02 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home