The Dominion Post is endorsing the Roads to Prosperity Amendment.
Yes, we have leaned in that direction ever since this initiative got the Legislature’s near unanimous approval in the regular legislative session.
In June, once the Legislature approved a bill to provide a funding mechanism to repay this bond debt, we leaned farther in favor of this bill.
Some have called support for the proposal a “no-brainer.” We are rarely inclined to believe that support or opposition to any proposal is that.
Some could argue that judging by how we maintain and repair our existing roads, we need not build more. Or others may argue that the pay-as-you-go approach is the safer route or they lack confidence in the Division of Highways (DOH).
All that said, space does not allow us to argue all the reasons why voters should vote yes for this amendment Oct. 7 (early voting starts Friday and runs through Oct. 4).
Clearly, the condition of our roads speaks for itself as to public safety, commerce, tourism and more.
Anyone who honestly believes that our roads and bridges are not in need of a serious intervention does not get out much.
No, everyone’s road, street or country lane is not going to be paved or repaved.
Yet, the infusion of the $1.6 billion in road bond funds will allow the DOH to prioritize using its budget to perform a lot more grading, ditching, mowing and patching potholes.
We don’t buy into Gov. Jim Justice’s hyperbole about this bond amendment. Sometimes there’s the impression he’s trying to top the president with his unrealistic and self-serving rhetoric.
“I really believe that it is the single biggest vote West Virginians have made in the history of the state,” Justice recently said.
If voters approve the bond amendment, according to Justice, it will be the “launching pad for a future for West Virginia beyond belief.”
If he truly wants to lay something on thick, it should be the asphalt and concrete our state paves its roads with if this bond passes.
To Justice’s credit, he has worked since his inauguration to deliver the jobs, the economy and the safety this road bond promises.
He’s also right that this bond package will improve roads at no additional cost to taxpayers and motorists than is already in effect.
And despite his urge to overstate issues, when he resorts to simple truisms, he’s better at presenting his own and this initiative’s merits.
“Better roads bring us a better way of life,” he says.
Well said.
