TAX PLAN FOR ROADS UNDER ATTACK
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TAX PLAN FOR ROADS UNDER ATTACK |
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Attorney general gives views on land use,
transportation
By Tyler Whitley
Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
In what might be the opening of the 2009 campaign
for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Attorney General Bob McDonnell
yesterday attacked proposed tax increases for transportation as unnecessary.
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling of Hanover County, a logical opponent for the 2009 nomination, expressed similar reservations Monday.
Both men, embracing the anti-tax creed of the conservative wing of the Republican Party, said more money for Virginia's transportation system is needed, but the state has such a large budget surplus that tax increases are not needed.
In a conference call with reporters, McDonnell appeared to differ with Bolling over land-use controls sought by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and several moderate Republican senators. They say there should be a better linkage between land use and transportation.
"I'm not sure that's the way to go," McDonnell said, adding that local governments have enough zoning tools to control growth.
McDonnell said the housing industry and automobile dealers were the main contributors to the state's booming economy and "it doesn't make good sense" to hurt those industries. The transportation funding proposals include an increase in the auto-titling tax from 3 percent to 5 percent. Auto dealers say that would hurt sales.
In the conference call, McDonnell laid out a legislative agenda that reflects the proposals he made during his campaign for attorney general.
He said he wants to get tough on sexual predators and gangs, increase penalties for identify theft and illegal drug distribution, increase retirement benefits for local and state public safety officers and put into state law the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness. This homeland security department was set up by executive order.
McDonnell also is backing bills that would prohibit governments from seizing private property to build tax-producing developments.
McDonnell proposes curbing frivolous lawsuits by prisoners. Such lawsuits take up considerable time in the attorney general's office, he said.