"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Do you ever feel like you pay the government too much money in taxes?
Well, you're about to pay again, twice for the same thing.
State leaders have announced a plan to convert two lanes of interstate 77 in Charlotte into toll lanes.
That's right, you have to pay to drive them.
But your tax dollars paid to build them.
Well, we think that's ridiculous.
Years ago, the state converted one lane in each direction of I-77 into High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, hoping to give carpoolers a quick ride through the traffic.
Guess what? Most times, you'll find those lanes empty.
No one uses them.
You can sit in a parking lot during rush hour with an empty lane right beside you.
The state wants to spend 65 million of our tax dollars to fund this brilliant plan for toll lanes.
We shouldn't have to throw coins in a toll booth to ride on a highway we've already paid for.
Now how is this for an idea...use that money to build more lanes that we can all ride in for free....yes, free.
Now when's the last time you heard that word coming from the bureaucrats in Raleigh?
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
