Strickland, Just when you get mad at him..........

He turns around and governs like the GOP SAY THEY WILL.

Not much to comment on this. Other than why is it when we want a fiscal conservative, we have to look to Strickland?

"Gov. Ted Strickland said he will not support increases in the state's motor vehicle fuel taxes, as outlined in a task force report submitted to his office this week, and he also isn't backing down from postponing $200 million in state public works projects. "

The last time we had an economic slow time, Gov. Taft raised gas taxes and here!

The GOP needs to do what they say they will do when elected.

Another thought on this "task force". Do you ever remember a time when a "task force" supported a tax cut in their final report? No, because these "task forces" are filled with those with vested interests....interested, that is, in sucking more money out of your wallet.

Anytime you read phrases like this,

"Create a diverse and expanded portfolio of funding sources to finance all transportation modes"

or this

"Create a new bond financing program, complemented by an enhanced set
of financing tools, to provide increased and dedicated funding for all modes of transportation"

it's an attempt to divert your attention from what they really are, TAX hikes.

Here's their final report.

One of their ideas is to add a chip to your vehicle and tax you for the amount of miles you drive. On one hand this seems fair, since those who drive more potentially cause more damage to the roads. However, doesn't the gas tax accomplish this already without having George Orwell in your back seat?

Here's the paragraph:

"3. Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax:Ohioans understand that the state motor fuel tax is used to maintain roads and bridges. They know that for many years this tax has been the preferred method of funding highways in Ohio and elsewhere. As a consumption-based “user fee,” this tax collects money from those who use more motor fuel, and from those who presumably make greater use of the transportation system. Yet, consumption may not increase as fast as inflation, and therefore the purchasing power of the tax may decline over time. Also, with the increasing popularity of fuel-efficient vehicles, the yield of this tax can once again decline.
Therefore, the Task Force recommends that Ohio begin to explore moving to a vehicle-miles-of-travel (VMT) tax, which would maintain – perhaps be even more faithful to – the user-fee concept embedded in the motor fuel tax. Some states have begun to explore VMT taxes and U.S. DOT is already promoting pilot programs. In fact, Ohio has submitted a request to become one of the initial pilot states. As part of a move to a VMT tax, consideration should be given to vehicle weight, so that heavier vehicles that impose greater cost on both the highway system and the environment pay more. Most Task Force members agree that this innovative revenue generating program has substantial long-term potential."

In other words, they think they can take more of your money with a "VMT" tax vs. the current gas tax.

One last thought on "task forces". My belief is they are a waste of money. We already have experts at ODOT and our County Engineer garages (yes, I left Township garages out intentionally). Let them make their decisions without the input from folks that all want their special interests filled.

So much for not having much to say about this.............