Good to see that The Columbian is in favor of a new bridge (“In our View: Reopen the Bridge Talks,” Dec. 12). Good call, even if a little obvious. A toll paid by those that use the bridge seems fair. Local politicians should be involved and be able to understand the need.
It is too bad, even though expected, that the editorial omitted the room’s elephant, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler. She is our federal representative. We pay about 18 cents for every gallon of gas and almost 25 cents for diesel in federal gas tax. The Portland-Vancouver area has 2,226,000 people, according to the 2010 census. Think how much that is a year. The bridge is part of the federal highway system. Federal taxes, federal highway system and no mention of federal representation.
We could ask Herrera Beutler why she has not been any help, but it will be the next election cycle before we see her again. Remember that she doesn’t believe in town hall meetings. I wonder if lobbyists wait two years to see her.
