Is There Not One of You? Yet Another TX Gov. Poll

[Nbadan]

New poll out, and the News ain't good for Texas roads...

As inept as Perry maybe as TX Governor, not one of the other 3 candidates is making a move, this despite Grandma spending heavy money recently.... ummm..looks like we are gonna get stuck with Perry and the Texas Trans Corridor will become a reality.

Yet another TX Governor's poll
by: John McClelland
Fri Oct 06, 2006 at 11:13:25 AM CDT
From the land of obscure polling, we have yet another poll released for the TX Governor's race.


Texans for Insurance Reform released their poll as follows:

Perry 33%
Strayhorn 20%
Bell 14%
Friedman 14%
Undecided 19%

I would venture to guess they did not poll anyone who actually wants insurance reform, since the top choice is Rick Perry.

Burnt Orange Report (http://www.burntorangereport.com/frontPage.do)

[George Gervin's Afro]

That's a shame. Perry will win because all of the others will dillute the vote. What is the worst % of vote to win an election? Why do I have a feeling this will be the year we see this?

[JoeChalupa]

I'm also surprised Perry has such a comfortable lead considering all the bitching and complaining I hear on all over the radio and this debate tonight is a complete joke.

[Ocotillo]

Friedman is a Texas version of Ralph Nader. A non-serious candidate who will siphon off votes that would either go against Perry or not vote at all.

For Perry to be only at 33% is terrible though as the Republican incumbent in a state where they would vote for a chimp if it had an (R) after it's name (come to think of it they sort of did that in the '90s).

In a two way race with Perry either Bell or Strayhorn might have a chance but in this four way circus, slick Rick will prevail with a base about the same size percentage-wise as Bush's favorable rating these days.

[xrayzebra]

Friedman is a Texas version of Ralph Nader. A non-serious candidate who will siphon off votes that would either go against Perry or not vote at all.

For Perry to be only at 33% is terrible though as the Republican incumbent in a state where they would vote for a chimp if it had an (R) after it's name (come to think of it they sort of did that in the '90s).

In a two way race with Perry either Bell or Strayhorn might have a chance but in this four way circus, slick Rick will prevail with a base about the same size percentage-wise as Bush's favorable rating these days.

Kinky is what he is: Kinky. He was a joke to begin with.

[johnsmith]

I for one can't wait for the corridor. That's just me though. I also whole heartedly support the construction of toll roads in San Antonio.

[ChumpDumper]

You must be in the construction industry.

[JoeChalupa]

I am totally against the toll roads and I'm not in construction. If those bright engineers would use more common sense we wouldn't need toll roads.

[johnsmith]

ddddddddddddd

[johnsmith]

I am totally against the toll roads and I'm not in construction. If those bright engineers would use more common sense we wouldn't need toll roads.


Common sense doesn't produce the amount of money needed to fix the highway situation in San Antonio.

[johnsmith]

I am totally against the toll roads and I'm not in construction. If those bright engineers would use more common sense we wouldn't need toll roads.


And it's actually, if those bright engineers 25 YEARS AGO would have used more common sense. It's not our fault the situation is the way it is.

[xrayzebra]

Common sense doesn't produce the amount of money needed to fix the highway situation in San Antonio.

Common sense tells me that if a private (overseas) company
can raise enough money to build them, then the State of Texas
could do the same and reap enough money to satisfy the
bonds and allow the citizens of this state to drive the toll
roads at a lower rate than the private companies who want
to make a profit. And Johnsmith, you would still have a job
building the roads, no matter who fronts the money.

[johnsmith]

Common sense tells me that if a private (overseas) company
can raise enough money to build them, then the State of Texas
could do the same and reap enough money to satisfy the
bonds and allow the citizens of this state to drive the toll
roads at a lower rate than the private companies who want
to make a profit. And Johnsmith, you would still have a job
building the roads, no matter who fronts the money.

Yes, this is true, but your common sense is blocked by a lack of information.

The overseas company doesn't have enough money to build the roads, an American company had to put up a VERY signifigant amount of money as well.

The problem with your logic though is that the state of Texas and TxDot simply don't have the amount of money needed to build the roads on their own. They're money is tied up elsewhere and even if it wasn't then they still probably wouldn't have the amount of money needed.

Furthermore, if the State of Texas were to raise the amount of money needed as you have suggested, your gas prices would go up because it would be further taxed, not to mention all the other roads throughout the state would be further run down because TxDot would be too busy "raising" money in order to fund the project being proposed.

As for the lower rate, check what the tolls being proposed are compared to toll roads throughout the United States, they are roughly the same as everywhere else.

Finally, don't anyone dare bring up the environmental impact involved in building toll roads in San Antonio. That is the dumbest fucking argument ever proposed and was just a front and a chink found within the many other chinks TxDot has to offer when construction was going to start on 281 and 1604.

[johnsmith]

Oh, and let me say this as well. I work in the Construction Industry but I'm not affiliated with the contractor hired to build these roads, nor with TxDot. I'd be too embarrassed to work for TxDot.

I'm all for toll roads in SA, I'm impartial when it comes to Trans Tx Corridor however, I can see both sides of that argument and could go either way.

[xrayzebra]

Your right, they don't have the money in hand. But Texas has the
ability to issue bonds to raise the money. And it doesn't have to
be raised all at once. Because all the roads couldn't be built all at
once.

I am absolutely against toll roads within any city. People must
use roads to get to and from work, shop and general movement
for their day to day activities.

I have been around San Antonio from around 1960, and since
around 1970 on the Northside, loop 410, TXDOT has had that
thing torn up for the whole period for something or the other.

I often wonder if they would just complete a project and leave
things alone for at least a year or so how much traffic would
improve.

Anyhow leave the in-city roads free and provide toll roads
between cities, if that is what it takes to build more roads, but
keep them in the public sector, not take them private.

[Spurminator]

It's inconceivable that we allow our leaders to be elected on a simple plurality.

[johnsmith]

Your right, they don't have the money in hand. But Texas has the
ability to issue bonds to raise the money. And it doesn't have to
be raised all at once. Because all the roads couldn't be built all at
once.

I am absolutely against toll roads within any city. People must
use roads to get to and from work, shop and general movement
for their day to day activities.

I have been around San Antonio from around 1960, and since
around 1970 on the Northside, loop 410, TXDOT has had that
thing torn up for the whole period for something or the other.

I often wonder if they would just complete a project and leave
things alone for at least a year or so how much traffic would
improve.

Anyhow leave the in-city roads free and provide toll roads
between cities, if that is what it takes to build more roads, but
keep them in the public sector, not take them private.


To be totally honest with you, I've wondered that too. However, the rate at which the northside, particularly the area around 1604, has grown, there isn't the time needed to raise that kind of money, that area needs to be fixed now and this is the way it will be done. I think you have a very valid argument and a very valid opinion though.
Having said that, toll roads in SA are on the way, that is a fact. There is nothing that anyone can do about it at this point.

[Spam]

Toll roads suck ass!! :cuss

[Extra Stout]

I am absolutely against toll roads within any city. People must
use roads to get to and from work, shop and general movement
for their day to day activities.
Your choice: pay the taxes at the gasoline pump or pay them at the toll booth. Either way, you pay.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

This latest poll polled 823 people in a conservative neighborhood, theres no fucking way 20% of voters will vote for that fucking cunt strayhorn

[01Snake]

Toll roads suck ass!! :cuss

Traffic sucks worse!
:lol

[BIG IRISH]

Yep looks like Texas is screwed again, I'll bet the turnout is very low.

[xrayzebra]

Your choice: pay the taxes at the gasoline pump or pay them at the toll booth. Either way, you pay.

Well ES, one thing about it. At my age, I more than likely wont have to
pay them for very long. But I have travelled in the East many times and
let me tell you something. Continually paying for use of a highway is
really a pain. Talk about slow downs, how bout a toll booth every few
miles and believe me they do exist in New York and New Jersey. I see
no reason that gasoline taxes would have to be raised very much. That
the reason for the tolls, to pay for the highways. I cant remember how long
it took to pay for the Dallas/Ft. Worth tollway, about 25 years I believe, but
it is now totally free to drive on. But it was financed by the business
community of the two cities, I believe and that was the agreement they
and the State came to and abide by. That kind of agreement I could
live with........but believe me, once Wolfe, Hardberger and the other
liberals see how much they can raise by charging tolls and have that
money to spend on their little projects, well you know the rest of the
story. Welcome to the world of Yankee/liberal politics.

[johnsmith]

Well ES, one thing about it. At my age, I more than likely wont have to
pay them for very long. But I have travelled in the East many times and
let me tell you something. Continually paying for use of a highway is
really a pain. Talk about slow downs, how bout a toll booth every few
miles and believe me they do exist in New York and New Jersey. I see
no reason that gasoline taxes would have to be raised very much. That
the reason for the tolls, to pay for the highways. I cant remember how long
it took to pay for the Dallas/Ft. Worth tollway, about 25 years I believe, but
it is now totally free to drive on. But it was financed by the business
community of the two cities, I believe and that was the agreement they
and the State came to and abide by. That kind of agreement I could
live with........but believe me, once Wolfe, Hardberger and the other
liberals see how much they can raise by charging tolls and have that
money to spend on their little projects, well you know the rest of the
story. Welcome to the world of Yankee/liberal politics.


The city won't make any money off the tolls. The city of San Antonio has very little power when it comes to this subject.

[johnsmith]

Well ES, one thing about it. At my age, I more than likely wont have to
pay them for very long. But I have travelled in the East many times and
let me tell you something. Continually paying for use of a highway is
really a pain. Talk about slow downs, how bout a toll booth every few
miles and believe me they do exist in New York and New Jersey. I see
no reason that gasoline taxes would have to be raised very much. That
the reason for the tolls, to pay for the highways. I cant remember how long
it took to pay for the Dallas/Ft. Worth tollway, about 25 years I believe, but
it is now totally free to drive on. But it was financed by the business
community of the two cities, I believe and that was the agreement they
and the State came to and abide by. That kind of agreement I could
live with........but believe me, once Wolfe, Hardberger and the other
liberals see how much they can raise by charging tolls and have that
money to spend on their little projects, well you know the rest of the
story. Welcome to the world of Yankee/liberal politics.


And quit saying stuff like, "at my age I won't have to pay them very long". I hate when older people say stuff like that, my Grandparents always use to say things like that and it's very depressing for your loved ones to have to picture life without you. I use to yell at them about it too.
Honestly, political views aside, opinions on tolling roads aside, quit saying stuff like that.

[JohnnyMarzetti]

Well ES, one thing about it. At my age, I more than likely wont have to
pay them for very long. But I have travelled in the East many times and
let me tell you something. Continually paying for use of a highway is
really a pain. Talk about slow downs, how bout a toll booth every few
miles and believe me they do exist in New York and New Jersey. I see
no reason that gasoline taxes would have to be raised very much. That
the reason for the tolls, to pay for the highways. I cant remember how long
it took to pay for the Dallas/Ft. Worth tollway, about 25 years I believe, but
it is now totally free to drive on. But it was financed by the business
community of the two cities, I believe and that was the agreement they
and the State came to and abide by. That kind of agreement I could
live with........but believe me, once Wolfe, Hardberger and the other
liberals see how much they can raise by charging tolls and have that
money to spend on their little projects, well you know the rest of the
story. Welcome to the world of Yankee/liberal politics.

Wolfe and Hardberger are hardly liberals. :rolleyes

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Common sense doesn't produce the amount of money needed to fix the highway situation in San Antonio.

Common sense doesn't build something the scope of the TTC when there are other solutions out there.

Common sense says that trucking companies aren't going to be dropping the $200 in tolls to get from the border at Mexico to north of Dallas without passing the cost on to you and me in the form of increased prices for all goods we consume.

Look, something needs to be done about the transportation situation in the state of Texas. But the TTC isn't the right answer.

There hasn't been a toll road built in the entire continental United States in the last 20 years that has even hit 70% of the projected revenue for the roads, and yet we're supposed to magically believe that here in the state of Texas we'll hit 100% of revenue.

Perry and Co. didn't learn shit from the Camino Colombia toll road. And I've actually tried to find out who picks up the tab if the revenue streams force a default on the loan, but TxDOT and Perry's admin. aren't telling. That tells me that we, the people of the state of Texas, will get stuck with the tab.

And that's bullshit. I fucking hate Perry, he forgot all about how W. and then him got to the governor's office. Perry's a Republican only to the extent that he has an (R) next to his name.

[FromWayDowntown]

Wolfe and Hardberger are hardly liberals. :rolleyes

xray thought Reagan and Nixon were liberals, too.

[johnsmith]

Common sense doesn't build something the scope of the TTC when there are other solutions out there.

Common sense says that trucking companies aren't going to be dropping the $200 in tolls to get from the border at Mexico to north of Dallas without passing the cost on to you and me in the form of increased prices for all goods we consume.

Look, something needs to be done about the transportation situation in the state of Texas. But the TTC isn't the right answer.

There hasn't been a toll road built in the entire continental United States in the last 20 years that has even hit 70% of the projected revenue for the roads, and yet we're supposed to magically believe that here in the state of Texas we'll hit 100% of revenue.

Perry and Co. didn't learn shit from the Camino Colombia toll road. And I've actually tried to find out who picks up the tab if the revenue streams force a default on the loan, but TxDOT and Perry's admin. aren't telling. That tells me that we, the people of the state of Texas, will get stuck with the tab.

And that's bullshit. I fucking hate Perry, he forgot all about how W. and then him got to the governor's office. Perry's a Republican only to the extent that he has an (R) next to his name.


I don't totally disagree with you, but look at what you quoted me as saying, "common sense doesn't come up with the money to build roads in SAN ANTONIO".

Having said that, I wasn't really clear initially, like I said before, I'm impartial when it comes to the TTC but I'm in full support of San Antonio toll roads.

[j-6]

I cant remember how long it took to pay for the Dallas/Ft. Worth tollway, about 25 years I believe, but it is now totally free to drive on.

The tollway has been paid for since like '02 or so, but people still have to pay to drive on it.

[PixelPusher]

it's embarassing that europe and china have high-speed trains and we don't

ditto for internet speed.

[johnsmith]

it's embarassing that europe and china have high-speed trains and we don't


It's funny too because Railways are now cheaper to build then freeways are.

[CubanMustGo]

The tollway has been paid for since like '02 or so, but people still have to pay to drive on it.

He said the Dallas-Ft Worth Tollway (aka I-30), not the Dallas North Tollway.

[j-6]

He said the Dallas-Ft Worth Tollway (aka I-30), not the Dallas North Tollway.


My fault Cuban and Xray - didn't even think of the old Turnpike when I read the post. I wasn't even alive when that was still a tollroad.

I'm kind of pro-tollroad, by the way, for the sole fact that plenty of other people that live around me don't use them. If the two main roads I took to work every day were free, it would take me 90 minutes to get to work instead of 45-50. And with a toll-tag, I use my monthly statements as a tax writeoff at the end of the year.

The TTC, however, is a completely different story. Something about this reminds me of the SSC of a dozen years ago, when two billion dollars of a nine billion dollar project was spent burying that huge-ass tunnel by Ennis and Waxahachie. Then the political climate shifted, progress was cancelled, and the areas affected by the project fell into recession.

That area was just four counties and it was suckling from the federal tit. The TTC will directly affect every driver in the state of Texas - wait until it starts costing more to register a vehicle here than it does in California. Or inspections go up to $60. Or TT&L fees in a vehicle purchase quadruple.

[xrayzebra]

^^j-6 never fear, you will have your toll roads. The Pols are going to push it
through one way or the other.

The next thing is what happened in England (London) special permit to drive into
main part of London, or pay by the day, or pay a fine. Speed camera's all over the
place and tickets in the mail. Oh, for the life of socialism. They take care of the
poor(?) by making the rich(?) pay for everything. One way or the other.

[johnsmith]

^^j-6 never fear, you will have your toll roads. The Pols are going to push it
through one way or the other.

The next thing is what happened in England (London) special permit to drive into
main part of London, or pay by the day, or pay a fine. Speed camera's all over the
place and tickets in the mail. Oh, for the life of socialism. They take care of the
poor(?) by making the rich(?) pay for everything. One way or the other.


They had those speed camera's in Colorado and I never got one single ticket from them.........then again, I don't speed.

[Nbadan]

Chris Bell, the Democratic candidate for TX Governor, is almost out of money

Oct. 11, 2006, 1:34AM
CAMPAIGN 2006
Lawyer's $1 million keeps Bell in game
John O'Quinn's record donation key for campaign about to run out
By R.G. RATCLIFFE and JANET ELLIOTT
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau


AUSTIN - Houston trial lawyer John O'Quinn saved Democrat Chris Bell's struggling gubernatorial campaign from financial oblivion this week by making a record $1 million donation.

Even with O'Quinn's money, Bell's campaign is just back on even footing with independent Kinky Friedman and still dramatically trailing the financial resources of Republican Gov. Rick Perry and independent Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn.

But for a candidate on the verge of running out of money, the donation was manna from heaven — or at least from a trial lawyer.

O'Quinn has promised to raise another $4 million for Bell's campaign, and that could make the Democrat more competitive with all his opponents.

Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4250413.html)

Bell has asked Kinky Friedman to step aside his lagging campaign for the good of the state.

[Spurminator]

Maybe Bell and Kinky should drop out. It's not like the Kinky votes would all go to Bell, and even if they did it probably still wouldn't be enough to beat Perry.

[Lebowski Brickowski]

Here in Austin, I'm going to pay tolls on roads that my taxes have already paid for.
This is the only city in the country where freeways will have been converted to tollways. How do you spell DOUBLE TAXATION?

I can't get into this again -- I feel my heart palpitating.

[01Snake]

Here in Austin, I'm going to pay tolls on roads that my taxes have already paid for.
This is the only city in the country where freeways will have been converted to tollways. How do you spell DOUBLE TAXATION?

I can't get into this again -- I feel my heart palpitating.

I'd love to pay tolls in order to avoid traffic down here in SA. Who cares if said roads have already been paid for via taxes?

[Yonivore]

Hell, I'm all for the Toll Roads! I can't wait until they open and all those people standing in line for their TxTags can just zip across town with ease. It'll leave the freeways open for us that refuse to pay tolls.

And, Lebowski, except for a small portion of Loop 1, in South Austin, I'm not aware of any existing roadway that is going to be converted to toll roads. I even think the tollers have given up on that section of road as well.

Currently, either State or Federal (probably State) Law prohibits tollways in areas where there is no free alternative. So, why worry? You don't have to use the toll road.

[JoeChalupa]

I'm just glad I don't live over in that 281/1604 area.

Fuck the tolls.

[01Snake]

I'm just glad I don't live over in that 281/1604 area.

Fuck the tolls.

Exactly. You wouldn't feel the same if you had to deal with the crap over here. :lol

[johnsmith]

Hell, I'm all for the Toll Roads! I can't wait until they open and all those people standing in line for their TxTags can just zip across town with ease. It'll leave the freeways open for us that refuse to pay tolls.

And, Lebowski, except for a small portion of Loop 1, in South Austin, I'm not aware of any existing roadway that is going to be converted to toll roads. I even think the tollers have given up on that section of road as well.

Currently, either State or Federal (probably State) Law prohibits tollways in areas where there is no free alternative. So, why worry? You don't have to use the toll road.


Bad news Yoni, the roads that will be tolled on SA will be (eventually) 1604, parts of 281, parts of I-10, and a road that I can't remember the name of on the west side of town. The freeway part of the road is what's going to be tolled, the open to anyone that wants to drive on it will be none other then the frontage roads. So your "zip" across town will be halted by traffic light after traffic light after traffic light.

You're right about the part in Austin too by the way, they aren't "converting" pre-existing roads into toll roads.

[johnsmith]

Exactly. You wouldn't feel the same if you had to deal with the crap over here. :lol


Yep, drive on 1604/281 area at around 4:00-6:00 PM every fucking day, you'll feel differently about toll roads.

[JoeChalupa]

Yep, drive on 1604/281 area at around 4:00-6:00 PM every fucking day, you'll feel differently about toll roads.

Thank God for Wurzback Parkway. I used to have to deal with that 1606/281 crap but I avoid that area like the plague. I have a few co-workers who live out that way and it takes them longer to get home than I do.

[johnsmith]

Thank God for Wurzback Parkway. I used to have to deal with that 1606/281 crap but I avoid that area like the plague. I have a few co-workers who live out that way and it takes them longer to get home than I do.


Yeah, I love the foresight that the engineers had when they designed 281/1604. See what happens when you let Aggies do anything.

[Yonivore]

Bad news Yoni, the roads that will be tolled on SA will be (eventually) 1604, parts of 281, parts of I-10, and a road that I can't remember the name of on the west side of town. The freeway part of the road is what's going to be tolled, the open to anyone that wants to drive on it will be none other then the frontage roads. So your "zip" across town will be halted by traffic light after traffic light after traffic light.
That won't fly for long. One of two things will happen...

Their precious toll roads will be flooded with non-payers or the hue and cry will be too much for the politicians to bear.


You're right about the part in Austin too by the way, they aren't "converting" pre-existing roads into toll roads.
Yep, I hope they are very successful here. IH-35 may finally be a reasonable drive from Round Rock to Austin again.

[johnsmith]

That won't fly for long. One of two things will happen...

Their precious toll roads will be flooded with non-payers or the hue and cry will be too much for the politicians to bear.

People flooding the toll roads without having paid will be ticketed either by traffic police or cameras set up. Your other point, "hue and cry", this isn't up to the city of San Antonio so their complaints will fall on the deaf ears of Austin law makers that are thinking one thing, $$$$$$$. They'll be able to bear it.

[Lebowski Brickowski]

Current Proposal for Planned Toll Roads In Austin, TX (http://www.austintollparty.com/SummaryofCurrentProposal.pdf)

[Lebowski Brickowski]

those are existing hwys. The majority of tolls will be placed on exisiting hwys. Only the TTC and 183A and Toll45 are the new ones. Oh and that little green extension on Loop1Toll is new but that was already funded and under construction before Perry included it in the toll plan.