As Del. Bob Brink points out in this post over at 7 West, Virginia is once again the laughingstock of the nation. This time, instead of Droopy Drawers, it seems everyone is talking about the new “civil remedial fees.” The first national news story I saw was this one from MSN Money. USA Today got in on the action as well as AOL. (Here at home, the blogs Albo Must Go and Democratic Central have been all over this.)
I understand that these fees were a part of the overall transportation package and that there was no opportunity to vote on them separately. Further, I understand why the fees cannot be considered fines and, therefore, apply to those violators who are not Virginia residents. However, I believe it is imperative that another source of revenue be found and that this section of the package be repealed. Others feel similarly and an online petition has been started aimed at that. If you are so inclined, head on over and sign it.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
According to his website, Nick Rerras is on the Senate Transportation Committee. Do these guys even bother to read this stuff?
Office number: 757-855-7044
Fax number: 757-855-7048
Toll free number: 866-673-7727
Email: Senator@NickRerras.com
In addition to Nick Rerras, local General Assembly members voting for this bill include John Welch, John Cosgrove, and Ken Stolle, who all have opponents, as well as Blevins, Iaquinto, Purkey, Suit, Tata, and Wardrup (“retired”). Notice a pattern?
And guess who voted against it? That would be Senators Mamie Locke, Yvonne Miller & Louise Lucas, along with Delegates Lionell Spruill, Johnny Joannou, Ken Melvin & Jeion Ward.
Hmmmmm 😉
Are our roads so bad that we must do this? What’s the impetus here? I mean I understand that there’s always need for more money, but…surely you jest! We can’t be THIS hard up, right? A system that ONLY punishes Virginians and specifically passes up out of state dollars?
And would you let me in on the above joke? I dun getit!
On the fines for drunk driving, I see no reason to repeal them.
We’re agreed, though, that levying a tax for traffic violations that can only be applied to Virginian violators is pretty stupid, though, right Brian? I mean, we can all find common ground on “Drunk Driving = Bad,” that’s a given. Go GA for recognizing that drunk driving = bad. But surely those of us here can also find common ground on the notion that traffic laws should be applied fairly and equally to all drivers on Virginia’s roads, right?
What about the extra $1050 for failing to signal? Or $900 for below-standard tires? Can you say “selective enforcement”?
(Rob – the Droopy Drawers bill is explained in the linked story over at 7 West. As for the names – well, in Hampton Roads, majority of the Ds were against the transportation bill and the R’s were for it.)
Recently on WTOP Governor Kaine placed the blame for the new driver abuser fees on Delegates Albo and Rust. However, these abuser fees were promoted greatly by the Governor from the beginning of the Transportation Package negotiations. I just wanted to set the record straight on who was a vocal supporter of these abuser fees.
From his Aug 28, 2006 Money Committee Address:
Both Houses agree on abuser fees. The dangerous behavior of unsafe drivers threatens the safety of other drivers and causes accidents that create congestion. Those drivers should be financially accountable for their actions.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/Speeches/2006/JMC-Aug2006.cfm#9
From his Jan 10, 2007 State of the Commonwealth address:
Both houses agree that abusive drivers should pay stiffer fines to be used for transportation needs. To solve our funding dilemma, I have proposed a basic transportation financing package. Three elements of the package—proper use of existing auto insurance premium taxes, charges to abusive drivers and a commitment to using surplus dollars for transportation—require no new revenues from law-abiding citizens.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/Speeches/2007/SOTC.cfm#3
From his first transportation plan, six days into office 2006:
This plan includes enhanced fees for abusive drivers .
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=57
From his transportation plan announced Jan 2007:
Imposes an abuser fee on motorists who drive under the influence, drive recklessly, or commit certain other offenses.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=319
2006 Legislation introduced at the request of the Governor including SB 722 DMV; assessment of fees on certain drivers, use of fees collected.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+sum+SB722
So as you can see, Kaine hasn’t been honest with us when he says he knows little about this.
Nice work, IO.