Read Tim Kaine's transportation for yourself right here. How does Tim Kaine plan to fix Virginia's transportation mess? With a detailed, comprehensive, well-thought-out plan that does not raise taxes and that makes Jerry Kilgore's "plan" look like the joke that it is.1) "Kaine supports using excess revenues for one-time projects like transportation construction when Virginia?s budget runs a surplus." And, it is important to note, thanks to Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, we now have a budget surplus, a big change from the huge deficits under Jim Gilmore.
2) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will support incentives to promote smarter land use patterns that can take advantage of existing road and public transportation networks." He will also "work to protect open space, oppose legislative attempts to cut the conservation tax credit program for farms and natural areas, and support local efforts to enact purchase of development rights programs." That's right, it's called "smart growth," and it's probably why the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) has endorsed the Kaine transportation plan.
3) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will give localities more tools to encourage mixed-use development, and will create incentives for communities to build safe routes to schools through sidewalks, crosswalks, and off-street bike paths." More "smart growth." Smart is good!
4) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will keep the promise to dedicate auto insurance premium taxes to transportation, adding $966 million to VDOT?s six-year construction plan." In other words, Kaine won't raid transportation funds to pay for general expenditures, unlike Jerry Kilgore who will.
5) "Tim Kaine will continue to encourage carpooling to reduce congestion by allowing carpoolers to ride free in HOV/HOT lanes." HOT lanes are a great idea whose time has come.
6) "Tim Kaine will use the Public-Private Transportation Act to kick-start important transportation projects." A great way to improve transportation "without raising taxes and without putting transportation projects in competition with schools and other general fund priorities."
7) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will continue to expand the public?s access to information about transportation progress through tools like the ?Dashboard? and prominently display VDOT on-time, on-budget performance statistics on the Governor?s own website. Tim Kaine is committed to making VDOT the best-managed transportation agency in the nation." Help VDOT continue to turn itself around -- no more huge cost overruns!
8) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will reach out to engage people in the planning process, make them aware of their opportunities to participate, and ensure that transportation projects are constructed with the support of the communities they affect." Asking the people what they think? Imagine Jerry Kilgore doing such a thing?
9) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will use the Rail Enhancement Fund to work with private partners to increase the use of rail for moving passengers and freight." Roads alone are not the answer to our transportation problems, and Tim Kaine realizes thus - unlike Jerry Kilgore.
10) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will support using economic development funds to attract low-cost air carriers to Virginia?s regional airports and improving smaller airports to help rural areas compete for businesses. He will support a responsible, safety-oriented plan to restore private aircraft service at National Airport. He will also advocate for better bus and rail connections between airports and downtowns." All excellent ideas.
11) "Tim Kaine supports improving accountability and efficiency at Metro, and adding cars and capacity to Metro trains. Tim Kaine also supports extending Metro rail to Dulles Airport, connecting Virginia?s largest airport to businesses in Northern Virginia and Washington, and to Fort Belvoir to help accommodate the large increase in defense-related jobs that are to be relocated there." Also, "Tim Kaine will...support tax credits for employers whose employees use transit throughout Virginia." Exactly right! Metro relieves pressure on roads and reduces air pollution. We need to move ahead with a Metro system for the 21st century!
12) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will also continue to support the Heartland Corridor proposal to increase the capacity of rail infrastructure from the Port of Hampton Roads west through the mountains....Tim Kaine will also continue to support including increased freight rail capacity as part of the Interstate 81 improvements." Making Hampton Roads the busiest port on the East Coast and linking it to the rest of the state will be a great engine for economic development in Virginia.
13) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will promote incentives for improving connections?improved bike access to Metro and passenger rail stations, bus service that connects to passenger rail stations and airports, and rail service that connects airports to downtowns." Tim Kaine understands the importance of "intermodal transportation." Jerry Kilgore does not.
14) " Tim Kaine will also encourage incentives for private investment near key transit locations and locate state offices near Metro, rail, and bus stations, so rail and bus service can be used by more Virginians to travel to work, shopping, or state services." More smart growth; see above
15) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will increase investments in Intelligent Transportation Systems to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion...Kaine will implement better detection measures, such as increased safety patrols and video monitoring of congested arteries. He will also promote better communication and clear lines of responsibility for responses, and increased capacity to respond to and clear traffic-clogging accidents." Using cutting-edge technology to "improve the safety and efficiency of Virginia's roads" sounds like a great idea to me. Too bad Jerry Kilgore didn't think of it.
16) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will take steps to encourage drivers to plan trips for off-peak periods and reduce rush-hour congestion." Encouraging off-peak use can provide short-term help for congested roads.
17) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will increase minimum sentences for repeat DUI offenders" and will crack down on drunk drivers by "support[ing] a ban on carrying open containers of alcohol in cars." As Kaine points out, more than 40% of Virginia traffic deaths are alcohol-related. 'Nuff said.
18) "As Governor, Tim Kaine will direct VDOT to plan road markings and signage with older drivers in mind, making our roads safer for seniors." Also, "As Governor, Tim Kaine will prohibit teen-aged drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving." And "Tim Kaine will champion awareness programs for child safety seats to reduce the number of children killed or injured in automobile crashes."Helping improve road safety for everyone, old and young alike. Who can argue with that? Oh yeah, Jerry Kilgore.
In sum, "Tim Kaine has the bold, decisive vision to move Virginia forward and solve our transportation problem." Tim Kaine is a leader on this issue with a record of results. Jerry Kilgore? His plan is stuck in traffic somewhere.