I have fairness concerns with the proposed Washington road use (mileage) tax to offset reduced gas tax revenue, as endorsed in a recent Herald editorial (“Steer clear of the state’s gas tax dead end,” The Herald, Feb. 22). I lived and worked for Boeing in the Everett area for 30 years and retired to Vancouver four years ago to be closer to friends and family. (I still digitally subscribe to the Herald as I still care about the region, as well as an act of support.)
I live six miles from Portland via the I-205 bridge. I do limited local driving, and probably 90 percent of my driving is out of state. I typically take two 2,000 mile trips to California a year, each time only 12 miles of which is in Washington. Just last weekend, I drove about 100 miles in Oregon, and 12 in Washington. So how would a tax on my total annual mileage be a “fair share” for my use of Washington roads? Also, how would those who reside in other states but drive into WA pay their “fair share”?
If this comes to pass, I’ll be looking for ways to circumvent this as will thousands of others. In my case, it’s justifiable!
Jim Anderson
Vancouver
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