Dear editor:
I was personally delighted by the tone and ferocity of Tom Lubnau's column "About Rebecca Bextel's Cute, Far-Fetched 'Plan'"
For the establishment wing of the party to get this worked up over Ms. Bextel's 100 day plan signifies to me that her chances to become the next governor are causing real distress in that group.
Rightfully so, since it was only through misinformation and massive spending that we find ourselves in the current situation.
As to Ms. Bextel's idea to provide fuel tax relief as part of her 100 day plan, I find much more merit and feasibility in the idea than did Mr. Lubnau.
First, I find it interesting that a *reporter would use as a sole source for analysis, the person least likely to have an unbiased point of view.
Asking a department head whether he needs more money is like asking a child if they want more ice cream.
As usual, the mere suggestion that a governmental agency could be more efficient with the hard-earned tax money that sustains them brings out howls of protest from most democrats and many republicans.
Every other segment of society is expected to be accountable and efficient, why not bureaucrats?
How many times have you seen a snowplow running on dry roads full speed on the interstate, blade raised?
How many times have you witnessed the spectacle of four guys watching one guy work? How many sections of highway have you noticed being repaired year after year?
The costs cited for highway construction are indeed concerning.
Is part of that cost related to over-engineering, inappropriate specifications and/or the procurement process itself?
In my industry, we compete for many of the same contractors who do highway work. In years where there are numerous highway contracts, we find that there is little interest in our projects, they tell us that WYDOT contracts are much more lucrative.
I'm not sure where the sovereignty argument fits in with this discussion but my personal take is that we have a lot more to gain from the exercise of state sovereignty than we have to lose, especially if we collected the mineral royalties and leases currently going to the feds.
Further, as long as long-haul truckers continue to wreak havoc on our highways and public safety, the State of Wyoming is entitled to federal highway funds despite sovereignty claims.
If not, there's always the idea of tolling I-80 (heavy trucks only).
In closing, the choice, as usual is not between highways and groceries, or lower property taxes and libraries .
Our real choice is whether we will select a governor committed to accountability or a politician with a long track record of increasing the tax burden on regular folks.
The next time Ms. Bextel is seen handing out checks, I’m convinced it will be in the form of tax refunds to families across Wyoming. Can’t wait!
Sincerely,
Bill Hensley, Glenrock
*Editor's note: Tom Lubnau is not a reporter. Tom Lubnau is a columnist. Columnists write opinion pieces. They do not write articles.
