Letter: Roads need DOT restructure, not gas tax

This is in support of state Sen. Tom Davis’ rebuttal against an unnecessary state gas tax hike.

Peeling the “onion skin” will reveal the makeup of both the S.C. Department of Transportation and the contiguous State Infrastructure Bank are controlled by the Columbia legislative leadership, and not the executive branch. These agencies control and determine which, when, where, why and how state roads/bridges/infrastructure are maintained, and new projects approved.

In recent years, maintenance and repair of bridges, roadways and infrastructure have been prioritized for political and patronage considerations notwithstanding statewide safety concerns.

Funding and more taxation are not the issues for better roadway and bridge maintenance. A reorganization and realignment of appointments — void of legislature dominance, under the office of governor, and secretary of transportation (executive branch) with full responsibility and accountability — will break up the political cabal that holds South Carolina road safety hostage for a few political favors.

That’s the simple truth.

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 8:09 PM with the headline "Letter: Roads need DOT restructure, not gas tax."