On Sunday, Jan. 25, Utah House Speaker-elect Greg Hughes was reported as saying, “We think that it is a unique time, when gas prices are lower and we are not in a re-election year” to consider raising the state’s gas tax ("Lawmakers looking to pump up gas tax," Jan. 25). What is particularly troubling about his statement is the fact that this is being considered during a year when the members of the state Legislature aren't in danger of being politically challenged.
Based on Hughes’ phrasing, I would conclude that this issue wouldn't even be on the table if this were an election year and the members of the Legislature faced viable political challenges during the primary or the general elections.
Since UDOT’s executive director stated there is not currently a budget hole, but that “we’re trying to fill it before we get to it,” the timing of legislative leaders' proposals to raise the gas tax like this reeks of protecting their jobs by increasing taxes during a time where they will face no political repercussions, and banking on their constituencies forgetting about it by the time elections roll around.
Alexander Getts
Salt Lake City