Gasoline Taxes and Road Improvements

Re the two articles “O.C. Transportation Panel Studies Fees for Drivers” and “County Poll Gives Edge to 2 Tax Initiatives” (Nov. 28):

In the wake of all the official hand wringing over the loss of Measure M on the recent ballot and the proposed 9-cent gas tax increase to be voted on in June, hasn’t something been overlooked?

If I’m not mistaken, our existing gasoline taxes were specifically earmarked for new road building and highway improvement, but some have been diverted into the general fund for years. Could it be that the electorate held the Orange County Transportation Commission and the Legislature accountable on Election Day?

Supervisor Thomas F. Riley says it was a terrible setback. Caltrans director Keith McKean says we’re in serious trouble. Former Supervisor and state Transportation Commission member Bruce Nestande says that he is hopeful that this proposed increase in the gas tax will pass in June. If approved, will it, too, be diverted into the general fund?

If, as Supervisor Harriett M. Weider has suggested, “the OCTC must do a lot of soul searching,” they might attempt to get voter support by pressuring the Legislature to use the existing gas taxes for the purposes for which they were intended. Or, perhaps as Bill Ward of Drivers for Highway Safety has commented, maybe it’s time to get rid of the OCTC in its present structure, as it would appear completely out of touch with commuters and voters.

And now, according to The Times, a $1-a-day parking fee for all employees driving to work in Orange County is also under consideration by the OCTC?

KENT S. MOORE Corona del Mar