HOT lanes should be expanded
This month, Atlanta residents vote on a sales tax increase for transportation projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion (“Voters to decide future funds for MARTA, Beltline,” News, Oct. 23). Since the city of Atlanta is simply part of a much larger area called metro Atlanta, the 10 projects listed in the article have little to do with congestion relief in this regional area. Sidewalk improvements, bike share programs, Beltline expansion, heavy rail infill, etc. should be named “quality of life” projects or “millennial lifestyle” projects, not congestion relief projects.
Given current technology and budgets, the only way to effectively address congestion in spread-out metro Atlanta is to greatly expand variable toll lanes (HOT lanes) next to crowded highways. Buses and van pools can use these congestion-free lanes toll-free to carry large numbers of people. Auto drivers can also use the HOT lanes as an alternative to congestion by electronically paying a variable toll based on real-time congestion levels.
Taxpayers should be given a correctly defined problem and solution before being asked to approve a tax increase.
JOEL SMITH, STOCKBRIDGE
Future elections need disclosure rule
Does it make sense to allow Presidential candidates the option of withholding their tax returns from public view? Consider that judges are required to absent themselves from cases in which they have any personal involvement. If this is the case in the legal process, shouldn’t voters be allowed to see whether aspirants to the Chief Executive office have involvements that would influence their decisions? A disclosure rule would be a good bipartisan change for the future.
BOB AUGUST, MARIETTA
About the Author
