So another politician/candidate wants to get popular by stopping tolls on the interstate bridges (“Herrera Beutler bill aimed at tolls,” Sept. 8, The Columbian). Alas, all this accomplishes is to delay again the needed investments in transportation. There are better ways:
1. Make any tolls cap out after six to 10 crossings in a month; this lowers the cost for Washington commuters who only use a small part of Oregon roads, while collecting full tolls from long-distance travelers who don’t cross daily.
2. Demonstrate leadership for one’s constituents and for the nation by working to enhance this interstate system; you may actually be more popular if you get something built. Remember, this is a part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.
