Doesn't Like CTRMA

Dear Editor, Austinites, and surrounding area,
    CTRMA spent our tax dollars creating and placing a two-page ad in The Austin Chronicle on pages 76 and 77 of the March 31 issue.
    CTRMA is a nonelected panel of pro-tollers that is partly responsible for the toll-road nightmare in Central Texas.
    The Texas comptroller issued a special report on the CTRMA at:
   www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/ctrma05.
    It was the CTRMA that lost a lawsuit for their members holding over two-year terms. So Rick Perry tried to extend the terms for CTRMA members at the last state election, and lost.
    The CTRMA advertisement says, "We can't afford to build the roads we need.” We can afford to build roads ,provided legislators pass a gas tax increase to adjust for inflation. Inflation average has risen 80% since 1991, gas tax stayed flat.
    Texas legislators made matters worse in 1991 by approving 25% of our yearly fuel tax revenue to go to the school fund instead of road construction.
    The ad says, "Giving drivers an option to avoid congestion.” Paying a high toll, or facing congested discontinuous roads are not good options. The ideal option is to provide quick and efficient mobility for everyone regardless of financial class. A gas-tax increase would provide that option.
    Boycott the tolls if you can. Use less gas by moving closer to work, carpool, check into working from home, use free roads during off peak hours for shopping etc. to ease free road congestion. Vote for anti-toll candidates.
   And please don't allow yourself to be misled by pro-toller propaganda, stay informed.