The Detroit News recently published an opinion piece by Senator Cameron Brown which showed his opposition to a proposed plan to increase state transportation funding. Free free to submit a response to letters@detnews.com. See sample letters below for ideas:

You may also call your legislator via this toll-free number: 888-719-3087. The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) set up the number to allow state drivers to encourage lawmakers to fix Michigan’s crumbling transportation system.


LTE 1: Word Count: 179
According to State Senator Brown’s commentary on road funding hurting taxpayers, Michigan motorists are already paying for our deprived roadways and a funding increase would only help to alleviate the pain of future repair costs.

While it’s no secret that Michigan roads need drastic repairs, Michigan motorists may be unaware that the current condition of our roads is already costing them hundreds of dollars each year in extra maintenance, fuel consumption and tire wear. The amount the average motorist is paying for supplementary expenses far exceeds the proposed registration fee increase.

It’s good to see that State Senator Brown recognizes the distress Michigan motorists are in, but without extra funds to help repair, maintain and rebuild Michigan’s infrastructure, Michiganders will continue to pay more annually. Frankly, I find his self-proclaimed interest in Michigan roads disingenuous at best, political pandering at worst.

With one of the toughest economies in the nation, Michigan’s residents cannot afford to let the state of our infrastructure worsen. Contact your local legislator today and urge them to increase funding for Michigan’s roads, bridges and transit.

LTE 2: Word Count: 126

I commend State Senator Brown for projecting the message of Michigan’s struggling infrastructure, but Michiganders simply cannot afford to drive on poor roadways any longer.

Like our state funding, Michigan’s infrastructure is continuously deteriorating. New solutions must be a priority, even in our struggling economy. The importance of a healthy transportation system is very evident, as Michigan residents are paying more for maintenance, fuel consumption and tire wear due to the poor condition of our transportation system. Michigan taxpayers get it; they understand they can save more in the long run by paying a little more now at the pump.

It’s a tough decision, but that’s why we have elected officials. Please, contact your local legislator today and urge them invest in our transportation system now.

LTE 3: Word count 159

In Senator Cameron Brown’s editorial, “Road funding plan hurts taxpayers,” Senator Brown says that people are struggling with pay cuts and layoffs and they simply cannot afford to pay any more to improve our transportation infrastructure. What he fails to realize is that “finding a solution that does not involve Michigan residents giving more” is near impossible, since we have lost over $519 million in state and federal funding since 2006.

The proposed plan would only cost motorists an additional $13 a month for access to 120,000 miles of smooth, safe and reliable roadways. Plus, the plan will support almost 35,000 more jobs than if no action is taken.

I know times are tough for everyone, but a minor 3 cent gas tax increase is only a few cents every time you fill up. I for one won’t hesitate spending less than 75 cents a day to ensure that my family, children, and friends can drive on safe roads and bridges.

LTE 4: Word Count 160

Senator Cameron Brown’s editorial, “Road funding plan hurts taxpayers,” attacks supporters of the gas tax claiming they are, “disconnected with the economic struggles of Michigan residents.” While Brown claims sympathy for those without jobs, he fails to realize not only that more jobs will be lost if nothing is done, but that this proposed plan will also create thousands of jobs for Michigan residents.

Brown claims that the actual cost for the tax and fee increases would be much greater than residents can afford. However, the average driver currently pays almost $400 a year in costs of vehicle repairs and time lost in congestion associated with bad roads. I for one would rather spend an extra 3 cents a gallon for smooth and safe roadways than hundreds in car repair and time lost. I know times are tough, but we can no longer rely on Lansing and Washington to solve our problems, we’ve got to take care of our roads ourselves.

LTE 5: Word Count 167

This recession is affecting all of us. Michigan residents are hurting. Government tax revenues are down, so cuts are being made just about everywhere, including state and federal funding for transportation repairs.

Senator Brown’s editorial, “Road funding plan hurts taxpayers” claims that supporters of the increase in the gas tax are disconnected with the economic struggles of Michigan residents. The Senator (who is also actively running for Secretary of State, so we need to take his comments with a grain of salt) is the one disconnected. When we can’t rely on Washington or Lansing to solve the serious issues, citizens have to take charge. Here’s the plan, if every resident paid an extra 3 cents per gallon when filling up their tank, an average of 75 cents per day, we can make our roads and bridges safe.

I know times are tough for everyone, but we have to do what we have to make sure our most precious cargo, our friends, families, and children, have safe reliable roads.

LTE 6: Word Count 175

Michigan’s need for increased road funding is hard to ignore, but it’s even harder to find legislators coming up with a solution. The latest example is Senator Cameron Brown’s opinion editorial, where he dismisses funding alternatives.

Reality check: the state and federal governments have no money. We have a problem that can only be fixed with additional revenues. If our elected officials in Lansing or Washington can’t muster the courage to solve the problem, the only way we, as citizens, can make a difference is to put our pennies together and take charge.

Senator Brown’s comment that we need to find a “…solution to our road problems that does not involve Michigan residents giving more…” is noble, but as the Senator (also a candidate for Secretary of State , you do the math) is well aware, is also impractical.

Thanks, Senator. We now know that, like other politicians, we can count on your appearance to point out the problem, then your disappearance when it’s time to make the tough decisions important to the future of Michigan.