Gov. Faces Hue And Cry Over Gas Tax
Edd Cote
Gov. Patrick talks about his transportation plan at the Worcester Public Library.
As Gov. Deval Patrick began a discussion of his transportation plan at the Worcester Public Library today he was drowned out by a crying baby. Turning to face the source of the interruption, Patrick said simply, "I know. I feel the same way."
Despite his reservations, the questioning the governor faced over his transportation plan, which includes a 19-cent gas tax hike, was not overly harsh. Some of the 100-plus in attendance criticized the tax hike, but others offered questions and suggestions about public transportation, highway tolls and other issues.
Hard Times
Patrick began the discussion with an overview of the current state of Massachusetts transportation. He ticked off a variety of challenges, including debt from the Big Dig and deferred maintenance costs. And adding insult to injury is the estimated $718 million per year residents pay for car repairs because of the poor road conditions.
To address these problems, the governor said he wants to not just raise the gas tax, but reorganize the way Massachusetts handles transportation issues. That includes folding the state's six transportation agencies into one cohesive group with four divisions and reducing pension and health care costs for some of the agencies' workers.
The 19-cent hike would provide funds for the commuter rail and MBTA systems, support for regional projects, moderation of toll increases, a reduction of state borrowing to pay for employees' salaries and benefits and funds for new transportation technology. The tax would be tied to the consumer price index, rising with inflation over time.
Toll Trouble
Participants in the forum questioned Patrick on longstanding issues around tolls, including the fact that Massachusetts Turnpike drivers face tolls while those entering Boston from the north or south don't, as well as the absence of tolls on the western part of the turnpike.
"We still do not have equity," said one audience member, Jose Garcia.
Patrick said it is difficult to add tolls to new roads but that he would consider eliminating tolls within the state in favor of border tolls. He also cited the idea of charging drivers based on mileage measured by a GPS system as a possible way of raising money more fairly.
In response to a question about the possible privatization of the Pike, Patrick said all services on the interstate have been put out to bid. But he said wholesale privatization of highways has caused tolls to shoot up where it has been tried.
Some in attendance also cheered portions of Patrick's plan, including Demitrios Moschos, a partner at the law firm of Mirick O'Connell and chair of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Moschos said he likes Patrick's proposal to bring the Worcester Regional Airport under full state control.
The governor also found himself in agreement - however theoretical - with another participant in the discussion who suggested making gas companies pay to support the state transportation system.
"If you want to work together on that, I'm down for it," Patrick said.
For more on the Patrick plan, visit the governor's official web site.
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