Gripe, Gripe, Gripe….

One of the interesting things about the recent weather event has been how many people griping about the state/county response to road conditions. While I think most people have understood the limitations of what can be done and the scope of impact — seriously it has been a very long time since North Texas has had this much ice and been below freezing for this long — some aren’t so understanding.

Let’s look at what the state of Texas (and only the state) spent last year.  Nearly 100 Billion dollars spent and 7% of that on Transportation.

So for those wanting more spent (and I’m sure they only want spent in their area) — you have two basic choices

Option A: Take Money from other areas

or

Option B:  Raise taxes.

Personally, I think we do spend too much money in some of the other areas; 1/3rd for Health and nearly 1/4th for Education!

Guess the days of a person’s health being their business and education being a local matter have long gone, eh.
We can reduce spending in those areas; but are you willing to run for office on that platform? Good Luck with that idea.

Option B isn’t any better either. Since Texas doesn’t have a state income; most of the revenue increase would have to come from Sales Taxes. And are you willing to try to get that idea past people? Again, Good luck with that. I know you won’t have my support. (Hint Taxed Enough Already party type here)

Oh, there are some other options but I didn’t see anyone exercising those before or during the Icemaggedon of ’13 either; didn’t see anyone writing out a check to the state.  Nor did I anyone out there with their road graders clearing the cobble stone ice or even trying with a pick axe and shovel.

Folks, money (especially my money) isn’t an infinite resource and there no way we can be ready for whatever nature throws our way every time.  — So until I see a bridge with “Personally Cleared by So and So” or a plaque on a new piece of road equipment reading “Donated by So and So” — chill out (should be easy with these temps) stay home another day or two and wait it out.

Some times that is all we can do, sometimes it is all we should do.

Please join the discussion.