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This is in response to D.J. McGuire's op-ed ["VRE is all wrong for Spotsylvania," March 22].
Mr. McGuire comments about meeting with vanpool fleet operators at a Republican Party meeting and being swayed by their argument that they would be paying a gas tax to support their competition.
As a Republican, former elected and party official, VRE rider, vanpool rider, and taxpayer, I think I can offer insight, as well.
One purpose of government is to do those things that we cannot reasonably do ourselves. This includes defense, education, and transportation.
My taxes paid for the poor planning and weak execution of highway improvements in the D.C. corridor when I rode the VRE. My taxes would pay for the VRE while I vanpool.
The question is not which is better; the point Mr. McGuire misses in appealing to the tax-hater in all of us is that we need them all!
Vanpools are good only for commuters going from one location to one location. My vanpool leaves Ukrop's and arrives at the Navy Yard.
The VRE leaves Fredericksburg and takes folks to Quantico, Springfield, L'Enfant Plaza, and Union Station.
Anyone with a ticket
I'd never want to give up my vanpool; it cuts two hours a day off my commute. But I also rode VRE and understand that side; I don't want those thousand daily riders clogging I-95.
We should want more folks riding trains, and more trains to better serve the public. We need leaders who want solutions for everyone, not just those who want to fear-monger and complain without seeing the big picture.
Mr. McGuire has no solution; he just wants to take sides. Mr. Skinner has been frustrated in his first term, but he has been trying to look out for everyone, and he will have my vote in the coming election.
Michael Gorman
Spotsylvania
