By Paul Benfer –
Rhode Island Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo believes she has found a way to significant road infrastructure improvements without raising taxes on ordinary Rhode Islanders. The RhodeWorks plan recently passed by the state legislature seeks to raise $850 million to improve Rhode Island’s crumbling infrastructure.
Does anyone recall the term “divide and conquer”? Her strategy is to burden an industry that cannot defend itself while making political points by exempting personal vehicles from the tolls. Infrastructure improvement is critical for our nation’s economic well being and safety. What stinks is a politician burdening a minority in favor of a majority. Vice President Biden commented that it took courage to stand up to the trucking industry. What he should have said is that the governor took the easy route to finance the project. There is nothing courageous in what Governor Raimondo has done.