Comments on: A smart fix for Virginia roads

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:28:19 +0000

#17 – “Do you ever consider just letting something go?”

I just spit coffee on my keyboard.

By: Sandi Saunders

Sandi Saunders — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:59:09 +0000

We certainly are in no short supply of posters who have needed redemption, but a photo op will not help the cause. The trouble with rubbing salt is that it reminds others to return the favor and eventually we are all hurting. Do you ever consider just letting something go?

By: Jim Lucas

Jim Lucas — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 23:29:00 +0000

#13 Is China owned by G.E. (or Westinghouse)?

Art, IMO your posts need a photo op. Sort of like Obama (before the election) & Sandy.

With credit & apologies to Mr. Simon; “I need a photo opportunity, I need a shot at redemption“

By: Jim Lucas

Jim Lucas — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 23:24:58 +0000

#12 2×3 > 2×2.

6-4=2.

2×5=10.

Steven, do require more proof?

By: Sandi Saunders

Sandi Saunders — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 18:25:56 +0000

When this economic crunch is long behind us and we have enhanced and grown the tax base, then we can always consider lowering taxes. Virginia and the nation needs to get real about the money needed and where it is in addition to making the needed cuts and sacrifices. It has to be a two pronged solution, more revenue and smart spending.

Virginia’s unemployment is lower than the national number and we also have many lower wage jobs in the service/tourism industry, growing the tax base will be a long slow slog. Can we afford to wait?

By: Art Hill

Art Hill — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 07:04:12 +0000

“I am opposed to raising any taxes.”

Of course you are. Republicans have long been fans of borrowing from China to finance their wars.

By: Steven K

Steven K — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 04:34:10 +0000

#11 “Once again the key should be to enhance & grow the tax base.”
You keep harping on that, Jim, but has that ever been proven to work? If so, please provide definitive proof.

Once again (now it’s MY turn to say that) America’s highest rates of economic growth came when the America’s richest 2% paid far higher marginal tax rates than they do now. Look it up.

By: Jim Lucas

Jim Lucas — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:59:42 +0000

I am opposed to raising any taxes. One can argue the “need” but does that “arguement” ever end?

State tax revenues should go into a general fund, from there dispersed to legislated budgets.

State taxes should strive to be progressive, i.e., primarily graduated income tax, very low but also progressive, capital gains & inheritance taxes.

The latter are already taxed at least once and anything beyond 0-5% (progressively) is detrimental to investment and family/small/farm businesses.

Once again the key should be to enhance & grow the tax base. Regressive taxes on those less fortunate and/or duplicate & repressive to others produces (at best) some short term revenue, but does not address the long term need. Thus the need to keep increasing regressive/repressive short term fixes.

By: don

don — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:20:40 +0000

I can’t understand our Virginia Government. Every time they say they don’t have the money to repair our roads they start working on them. They have been repaving 460 all this week. What they need to do is find the money to buy some lawnmowers. Every summer they let the grass grow until it looks terrible. Of course we would be fined if we did this. I think the best place to start is get a new Governor.

By: Sandi Saunders

Sandi Saunders — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:43:22 +0000

While I am sure it is easy for some to say let the “have nots” pay more too, it is still a reality of life that making their lives harder so you can feel better is just not going to be a goal of any legislature looking for revenue.

It might be a “gimmicky” way to raise the needed revenue, and I am sure it will not be popular, but I doubt any plan would be. Do you want us to stop building roads and replacing bridges? Something has to give and the price of steel and asphalt is not going to be it.