Recent editions have taken us down the path to Washington. In the meantime, plenty of shenanigans have taken place a few dozen miles east on US 50. Then again, I suppose I should not be too quick to call them shenanigans.
A reader recently referred to my scribble as “visceral over the State of Maryland.” This type of reader response would probably be glossed over in a National publication. Not everyone can be pleased all the time; however, in a close-knit community, it is important to try.
What this reader may have been referring to was part two of “my electronic journey for answers.” The thesis was that we are all subjected to “tangled web governance,” a system of government bailing out government for which we all wind up footing the bill. The conclusion was a series of ideas that could be implemented at the State level to provide Eastern Shore counties with a level of autonomy. Within the context of a standard op-ed piece, I suppose those ideas could be dismissed as instinct over intellect.
Over the next few weeks we will explore these ideas in greater detail. While our skeptical readers may not agree with these ideas, I hope that they are viewed as worthy of conversation. For now, I hope that our skeptical readers can allow me the following indulgence.
I hope our readers have long attention spans. During the last election cycle, Governor O’Malley peppered the airwaves with ads that decried former Governor Ehrlich’s use of fees to fund State projects. This strategy was recycled from the 2006 election. Suddenly fee increases have become necessary (Kind of slots, yes?). I’m guessing this occurred on November 3rd.
Troup’s Corner is actually in favor of user-based government funding. Maryland is an economically and geographically diverse State. The counties of Western Maryland should not be subjected to one size fits all taxation to pay for tolled roads and facilities. User-based funding also adheres to the matching principle of accounting.
So it would seem that this week’s edition should end at this point, correct? Not so fast, my friend! Operating costs for the toll system are expected to rise from $217m this year to $294m in 2014, or 35%. Debt service will go from $35m this year to $144m in 2014, a 410% increase. The toll increases are being used for the primary purpose of debt servicing. These debts have been incurred to build MD-200 (aka the ICC) and I-95 express lanes north of Baltimore. Shouldn’t the revenues realized from these projects be applied to the expenses?
Currently, the toll is $.31 per mile on the Bay Bridge. When the 2013 rate takes effect, the Bay Bridge toll will effectively be a dollar per mile (round trip). The gripe that the Eastern Shore seems to have about Annapolis is that the region is viewed as drive-by country for the purposes of reaching the beach. If this criticism has validity, then a dollar per mile to reach the beach is likely viewed as no big deal by its supporters. There’s always a downside.
The downside is the effect on the commuter. The Bay Bridge’s current $1 commuter toll will go to $1.50 in October and $2.80 in 2013. The I-95 80 cent commuter rate will rise to $1.80 in October and then to $2.80 in 2013. Relative to the regular price, the current I-95 commuter rate is far friendlier than the Bay Bridge rate. One point of concession, Maryland rates have been lower than other rates across the Nation. That said, this point screams of Government martyrdom. “Look at the break we cut you all these years.” As stewards of the public trust, this is what they should seek to accomplish in their ordinary course of business.
While Eastern Shore commuters should pay for their use of the bridge, the burden should be the same versus the burden placed on commuters at other sites. As we often find out in the reader reaction portion, issues can intersect. Perhaps new questions should be asked. Instead of parsing out the details of toll A versus toll B and who’s getting shafted, perhaps it should be asked, “What can be done to eliminate the need for this commute?” Over the next few weeks, we will explore several options to increase the economic viability of the Eastern Shore.
Troup’s Corner Non-Sequitur: Overheard at the ticket window at Oriole Park with respect to Chick-Fil-A no longer sponsoring the Junior Orioles Dugout Club. “You really should announce have announced that.” It seems I’m always behind these people. Let me respond on behalf of the Orioles. “So what you’re saying is – the club should purchase ad space to announce that a company is NOT going to be a sponsor of a team promotion. Come on people, think!”
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