If Bill Janis is any indication, the General Assembly Republicans have decided the revive the pre-Kaine version of HB3202 (for those who think it was Tim Kaine who made that bill bad, here’s the real story).
This time, Jim Bowden beats me to the punch:
In Del. Bill Janis’s criticisms of Gov. Tim Kaine running for VP, he offers this gem on Transportation.
“The constitutional flaws of HB 3202 were created by the Governor’s 2007 amendments to the legislation that passed the House and Senate, specifically, changing the composition of the regional authorities from elected to appointed representatives. These regional authorities could be easily remedied today, by simply amending the law back to the way it was when it passed the General Assembly, and without the Governor’s “improvements.” This would immediately restore approximately $400 million of transportation funding for Northern Virginia, and about $200 million for Hampton Roads. The Governor’s refusal to act is costing NOVA alone over $1 million per day.”
He doesn’t get it. NO REGIONAL GOVERNMENT. I sure hope he is all alone on this.
I would only add one other point: “the way it was when it passed the General Assembly” would still be a state-mandated tax increase. True, it wouldn’t look like one; in fact, that was the whole point. HB3202 was (and if Janis has his way, it would be again) a way for General Assembly Republicans to force local officials to enact tax increases in order to avoid accountability. It didn’t work then, and it won’t work now (nor should it).
Meanwhile, Bowden goes on to throw down the gauntlet to our new Chairman and our Senate nominee (and not a moment too soon):
Message to Jim Gimore (sic) and Jeff Frederick: If this is what comes out of the session - you will have a stark choice to make. Defend The People against the Republicans stuck on stupid in the GA or be painted with the same paint - color me stupid - and lose more elections.
I could not agree more.
Bowden then concludes:
It appears the best we can hope for in Tidewater/Hampton Roads is nothing gets done. Nothing is better than what Janis and too many Republicans are pushing - Regional Government for a plan that doesn’t work - but moves money to the right politicians and special interests.
I would only add two points:
1) Nothing is not only better for Tidewater/Hampton Roads; it’s better for the entire Commonwealth.
2) If Janis’ view is shared by Speaker Howell, then Howell must be replaced, pronto.
Cross-posted to the right-wing liberal
