Published: April 03, 2006 10:25 pm      

Protecting our highway funds

EDMOND — Last week the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO) attempted to alter the traditional formula for distributing road and bridge funds to counties. This change was related to a one-time appropriation of $25 million by the state. It was designed to be a “fair” allocation of the monies. However, it was anything but equitable to Oklahoma County.

By dividing the funds evenly between all 77 counties and placing decision-making authority regarding spending in its circuit engineering districts (CEDs), ACCO abandoned any objective standard of allocation. No consideration was given to traffic counts, bridge conditions or to gas taxes paid by a county.  In short, this scheme would have taken your gas taxes and subsidized the bridge and road repairs of other counties.

When your county commissioners voiced opposition to this plan, the reaction from ACCO was regrettable. What are the results of our action? First, the state Department of Transportation said it will not deviate from the standard allocation formula. Second, there will be serious consideration about the propriety of paying dues to an organization that has continued to lobby against the interests of urban county residents. Your tax dollars should work for you, not against you.

You need know that these outcomes would not have happened had your commissioners not acted. The board has maintained a commitment to protecting your tax dollars and using them in the most effective manner possible. I will continue that commitment for the citizens of Oklahoma County.

(Stan Inman of Edmond serves as District 3 Oklahoma County commissioner. He is up for re-election this year with former Rep. Ray Vaughn stating his intention to run as well.)