Money needs dominate transportation commissioner primaries

Mississippi needs to spend more money on roads and bridges, 12 candidates running for transportation commissioner agree. But the hot-button question is whether the state should raise gasoline taxes to finance additional spending.

A few candidates openly advocate a higher fuel tax or strongly oppose it. But most are somewhere in between, saying they support it only if other taxes are cut, or only after the Transportation Department proves it's spending efficiently.

Central district Commissioner Dick Hall and northern district Commissioner Mike Tagert are both stepping down. Two Democrats and two Republicans seek to replace Hall. In the northern district, five Republicans seek their party's nomination, while unopposed Democrat Joey Grist awaits the GOP nominee. In the southern district, incumbent Tom King faces two Republican challengers, but no Democrats, meaning the election could be settled Tuesday if no Aug. 27 runoff is needed.

Here's a look at the primaries:

CENTRAL DISTRICT DEMOCRATS

Willie Simmons, a longtime senator who has chaired the Transportation Committee, pitches relationships he's built while in the Legislature, and is straightforward in seeking a 10-centsa-gallon fuel tax increase over three years. Simmons said that would give Mississippi a fuel tax rate similar to neighboring states.

“I'm going to be saying to the Legislature, ‘Give us the money,” Simmons told attendees at the Neshoba County Fair.

Edwards Mayor Marcus Wallace has focused his campaign on making sure spending is evenly spread among rich and poor areas. “There are too many personal agendas and too much ego-tripping” determining spending now, Wallace told the fair audience.

CENTRAL DISTRICT REPUBLICANS

Brandon Mayor Butch Lee said he wants to provide funding “leadership,” saying the money problem isn't fixed despite up to $80 million a year dedicated to state roads and bridges from an upcoming lottery. Lee advocates earmarking part of a tax on internet sales, saying that would provide $200 million a year. He said he would only support a fuel tax increase paying for long-term items including bridges.

Ricky Pennington of Vicksburg couldn't be reached for an interview.

NORTHERN DISTRICT REPUBLICANS

Trey Bowman of Ackerman said that he would bring his business approach to the department. He calls for “sustainable” funding, but said he could only support a gas tax increase if another tax is lowered. Like others, Bowman wants to review a performance audit by state Auditor Shad White before any decisions.

John Caldwell of Nesbit supports increased money for maintenance, but is also focused strongly on building new roads. “We need to be planning for our future and building for our future, and I think we fall short on that,” Caldwell said.

He said north Mississippi isn't getting its share of the state's budget. He said that he wants an internal review, more transparency and meetings with local officials before any funding increase. But Caldwell said a tax increase might be necessary.

“My heart is not in a fuel tax, but my head knows you can't pave roads on good looks and charm,” Caldwell said.

Jeremy Martin said his relationship with his current boss, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, will aid the department legislatively if Hosemann wins election as lieutenant governor. Martin said the department needs more longterm revenue, but has no specific plan. Instead, he told the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal that he wants to convene people to discuss options.

Geoffrey Yoste of Oxford also promises to work with lawmakers on funding, saying “everything needs to be on the table.” He said a gas tax is up to lawmakers, and likes a plan to reduce income taxes if gas taxes are raised.

E.A. Hathcock of Starkville is strongly opposed to a gas tax increase.

“I'm not for raising taxes,” he said. “There is waste enough in MDOT that once it's looked at, and I know I can locate it, we can have enough money.”

SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPUBLICANS

Incumbent Tom King said the department has grown more efficient since he became commissioner and said voters should retain his experience, especially because the two other commissioners will be new.

He said the department is thankful for projected lottery money, but needs more. “That's not going to take care of the $400 million a year that we need,” King said. “Not at all.”

King said he favors a fuel tax increase, whether matched with a tax cut or not.

Poplarville alderman Tony Smith said he wants to review the Shad White audit.

“I do believe there are efficiencies that can be implemented at MDOT,” Smith said, although he agreed the agency can't save enough money to meet its needs.

He favors swapping an income tax cut if there's a gas tax increase, but said the decision is up to lawmakers.

Chad Toney said his top priorities are improving two highways connecting through Amite County. He said because of his Transportation Department experience, he can build roads directly with state employees instead of relying on contractors. “We've got plenty of people who know how to run a dozer and a motor grader,” Toney said.

Toney favors a 2-cent fuel tax increase.