I-912 is backward policy on roads

A proposed citizens' initiative to roll back the 9.5-cent gas-tax increase approved by the Legislature may resonate with unhappy motorists but it is bad public policy.

Initiative 912 is designed to capture frustration with a gas-tax increase that would pay for needed improvements to roads and bridges throughout the state.

Before signing the initiative, voters should ask pertinent questions. What is the money for? Should our fast-growing state invest in roads?

Taxes are rarely popular, but to keep roadways safe and improve mobility, the state must make targeted infrastructure investments.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct, which carries more than 100,000 cars a day, is in danger of coming down in an earthquake. Why wait for it to fall down? The new gas-tax package dedicates $2 billion to replace the viaduct, an investment a forward-looking community ought to make.

Gas taxes approved this past session are not Seattle-centric. Legislators from East King County assured the tax increase would include improvements to Interstate 405 and the aging Highway 520 bridge, which also is in danger of failing in a storm. These improvements are in addition to millions of dollars to be spent on roads and bridges in every part of the state.

There is never a good time to increase taxes. The last gas-tax increase of 5 cents a gallon was approved after years of legislative haggling. The public barely noticed because fuel prices fluctuate so much.

Leaders of business large and small support the tax increase because they want safer roads and enhanced mobility.

Don't sign this initiative and don't support it. It is backward public policy.