Raise fuel tax, not registration fees

Concerning the Jan. 20 story "Transportation funds, tax reform top agenda:"

Is it possible for Idaho to address road funding challenges in a logical, effective and evenhanded manner? Given Gov. Butch Otter's fee increase proposal, apparently not.

Raising car registration fees creates an economic inequity which will punish motorists who impact roadways the least. Consider: Granny Annie drives her Prius 3,000 miles per year, contributing minimal wear to our roads.

Max Mudrunner drives his Hummer 45,000 miles per year, causing far more wear than the average sedan. He will pay the same registration fee as Granny Annie.

Lightweight, fuel-efficient autos do less damage than heavy, gas-guzzling machines. If fuel taxes are raised, drivers using more fuel, contributing more wear and tear, will pay more. It's that simple!

The logical solution to funding Idaho's maintenance deficit is to raise the fuel tax, which, judging from comments by legislators Hammond, Saylor and Denney, is on the table as "something else" that will be necessary after the registration fee increases take effect! Will the Legislature try a "double dip" on the driving public?

Let's take a "pass" on the registration fee increase, raise the fuel tax instead, and get to fixing our roads.

KEN JACKSON

Sandpoint