The proposal to overturn the inflation-adjusted gas tax in the state of Massachusetts is Question 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Steve Aylward, chair of Tank the Gas Tax supports overturning the tax. In contrast, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone opposes it.
Aylward began by saying that the Bay State has collected $1.1 billion more than what was expected; therefore, more money is not needed to improve the state's infrastructure. Curtatone says the money is necessary.
"More than half of our bridges are either structurally deficient or functioning obsolete," Curtatone said. "A third of roadway fatalities in Massachusetts, a contributing factor is the condition of our roads."
The rate stays the same as inflation progresses, according to Aylward.
"You're paying more based on how much you spend or how much you earn-that's true- but the rate always stays the same. With this particular tax-with this particular scheme- the tax is going up all the time. Every year it's going up," Aylward said.
Curtatone says to do nothing would put the burden on the property tax payer. In addition, he says the economy, public safety, and our ability to compete in a global economy would benefit from the inflation.
Politics
"It would impede our ability to grow as a Commonwealth," Curtatone said.
Aylward believes Massachusetts needs to eliminate waster before asking for more money from the tax payers.
