Governor Hopefuls Offer Differing Ideas for Va.'s Transportation Quandary

The three candidates seeking to become governor of Virginia have offered three different approaches to easing traffic congestion that reflect their different views on the role of state government.

Republican Jerry W. Kilgore wants to give regions the power to determine priorities and come up with solutions. He would take decision-making out of Richmond and create regional bodies that would have the same authority as the state to issue bonds, enter into public-private partnerships and hold referendums to raise taxes.

Kilgore also would impose hefty fees on habitual traffic offenders that he said would add as much as $100 million per year for new projects.

Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, the Democratic candidate, offered a plan last week that maintains ultimate authority in Richmond but would increase local involvement in planning for roads, transit lines, homes, office buildings and other developments.

Kaine said his first task after the Nov. 8 election would be to hold summits across the state to build momentum behind his vision, which also includes offering tax credits to employers who encourage transit use and better linkage between bus, bike, rail and other forms of travel.

Kaine also has vowed to reject any increase in levies until at least 2009, when a constitutional amendment to ensure that transportation funds are not used for other priorities could become law. Kaine backs using money from taxes on automobile insurance premiums, about $160 million a year that has been used for other priorities, to pay for transportation projects.

Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr., the Republican from Winchester who is running for governor as an independent, has not ruled out anything. He said he would convene a commission to come up with solutions, potentially including tax increases, and hold a special session of the legislature to institute them.

While the candidates disagree on the nature of the problems and their solutions, they agree that transportation is the most critical issue facing the commonwealth.

"We've got to acknowledge that 2006 has to be the transportation year for the governor and state legislature," Kaine said Thursday, echoing similar comments from his opponents.

Transportation problems afflict nearly all regions of the state.

In Northern Virginia, where the problems are most acute, commuters battle daily traffic jams and the stress that comes with them. Business leaders say poor road and rail networks are a threat to the region's golden economy.

Drivers in Hampton Roads endure traffic similar to what Northern Virginians faced about a decade ago. Congestion is particularly severe at bridges and tunnels.