Letter: Better roadwork requires stronger leadership

Monday, June 27, 2005 | 8:35 a.m.

A headline one day tells us "State running out of roadwork money," and a headline another day tells us "State revenue jumps in April." The latter should provide the solution to the former.

The state government is rolling in money. There is supposed to be a $300 million dollar rebate some day, but we know the surplus is at least double, and possibly triple, that amount.

We don't need an increase in gasoline taxes. Our legislators need to be setting priorities to deal with our needs. I believe that's what they have been elected to do. There is plenty of money. In two years, we should still have a sizable surplus. It should be used to pay for this roadwork that is being discussed, not spent on more socialist programs.

Then we get to the people in charge of maintaining the roads. Do they even have a clue? It seems we have the time (and money) to do it again but not to do it right in the first place. They need a task force to tell them what to do? They are going to spend money to hire a consultant to develop strategies to better inform the public of safety and traffic congestion.

If the people in responsible positions cannot do the job required then they should be replaced by people who can do the job. Where is the leadership needed in this roadwork arena?

RICHARD J MUELLER