Lets Get Local

What would you rather have?
An increase in the vehicle sales tax, which you know for a fact will affect you at some point in the future and contributes nothing to the safety of the highways in the Commonwealth, and which may in fact, be detrimental to that safety, or abusive driver fees, which we as drivers can avoid paying by acting like adults behind the wheel?
This past Thursday night I had the opportunity to express my opinion on this subject to several members of the General Assembly, either directly, or through their legislative aides.
My argument is simple: Keep the abusive driver fees in place, apply them fairly across the board to all drivers who get caught for major infractions, including out-of-state drivers, and apply them vigorously, and without remorse, to habitual offenders and DUI's.
The governor's plan to raise the vehicle sales tax from 3% to 5% will affect everyone who purchases a vehicle, new or used. This means older cars will stay on the road longer.
His plan to eliminate the 1 year vehicle inspection cycle and implement a 2 year cycle will exacerbate this condition and could ultimately be the death of some people.
Responsible drivers will maintain their vehicles. Not all drivers are responsible.
Highway safety is the Commonwealth's baliwick and while we, as drivers, are also tasked with the responsibility, we cannot police everyone. We can and should however, voice our opinions on how the Commonwealth can best do its job.