[HamiltonFan]

How can hearings be held before the idea is announced? This has been under consideration for three years. some one had to launch the first notion, vision, blueprint or we would still be stuck on Cape Cod wondering how to repair the Mayflower for the 100th time.

[BobL]

"How can hearings be held before the idea is announced?"

I've been to a lot of TXDOT meetings, and they have hearings, and give alternatives. For example, if they're widening a Segment of I-20 near Dallas, the alternatives may be:

1) Do nothing.
2) Add 1 lane each way
3) Add 2 lanes each way
4) Add toll lanes.


For this plan, they could have had the hearings and used options such as below:

1) Do nothing, live off existing revenues
2) Widen existing freeways with a modest gas tax increase
3) Widen existing freeways with toll lanes
4) Build new freeways with a larger gas tax increase (on the order of 20 cents)
5) Build new, state-owned, toll roads, that would revert to freeways (as was done in Kentucky)
6) Build new private toll roads, that would remain in private hands for 50 years or longer.


The governor obviously chose Option 6, and published it several years ago in his plan, and never budged. He then went and got the legislation he needed to legalize the plan. But when were the other options discussed? I certainly did not see any news reports about other options being discussed (and believe me, I'm happy to read any reports you may have). As far as I can see, Option 6 was chosen by fiat and that decision appears final.

And just from a pure political standpoint, Governor Perry wouldn't be finding himself in the Primary fight of his life, hand he simply consulted with the voters first.