Enough is enough

Dear editor:

When will enough be enough? Here they go again! The point has been made by other “Letter” writers that a temporary tax is never temporary. But, also ArDOT is banking that voters have short memories. They try to make the fallacious case that it’s not a new tax.

Not many remember when the AHTD was made a constitutionally separate state agency. Not accountable to the Legislature for a budget every two years like the rest of the agencies (except the Game and Fish agency). They have access to all the taxes on gas and diesel, and use taxes, plus federal highway dollars. A few years ago, we gave them access to general tax revenues with no accountability to the Legislature — on a temporary basis!

A number of years ago, the “leaders” of this state saw fit to make the highway department a constitutionally separate agency; that neither would have to ask for a biannual budget, nor be held accountable to the Legislature.

The ArDOT “commissioners” and “director” are accountable to no one. Not one taxpayer can ask how much the highway department takes in, how much is spent, where it is spent, or how much in reserve is held. No one!

Now, these unaccountable “Untouchables” want to dip into general revenue, on a permanent basis, without so much as a “by your leave” or any mechanism for accountability. The state Constitution is no place for a tax. If this Act No. 1 passes we will be saddled with the tax forever!

Don’t be fooled by their hope that voters have short memories. Vote no on the sales tax initiative Nov. 3. Vote no to more debt and Act No. 1. Vote no to taxation without accountability. It’s time to take control. “We the People. … ”

R.T. Reynolds

Hot Springs