Vivian Moon

Mercer

What to do for funds to maintain Interstate 80 is a no-brainer for those who for over 10 years have asked Pennsylvania legislators to sign on to legislation reducing  the cost of government by reducing the number of state legislators by at least 80. 

We would improve our representation by putting a senator or representative in each county, thereby reducing costs and giving  county officials and local citizens easy access.

When one adds the costs of salary, extra offices they maintain, cars, mailings, pensions and lifetime insurance benefits, costs amount to close to $8 million and keep going up.

This still leaves the state with over 100 legislators whose districts would be established by population density. This is still more legislators than which some states operate. 

California has only 80, and some states pay a salary only during sessions. This is an issue upon which both parties need to unite, and legislators will count on that not happening. If they however have a record of working for the citizens and not special interests or self interests, why would they worry?

The northern tier of Pennsylvania continues to suffer loss of property  tax revenue from the building of I-80.  Any governor or legislator who feels they have the right to add another burden (tolls) to the citizens and the industries which depend heavily on this route, should not hold a public office. 

Voters should notify their representatives  that they know a practical, better means of financing the maintenance of I-80 and they will remember this at the polls