Here we go again, down the only road we know. The Colorado taxpayer has to keep Ski Country USA happy by any means. Those who live and die (so to speak) by the tourism in the winter. We must subsidise their living.

In case you wonder I am being sarcastic!!!!!

Any one who lives or has traveled through Colorado knows about the congestion that is I-70 in the mountains. How traffic coming into the tunel cause a wait that can last several hours. A problem, for some. An inconvenance? Most certainly for others. A chance to observe the great mountain scenery, definately.

Whats the hopla all about? Well it seems that the Denver Democrat's, lead by Sen. Chris Romer. Want to set up a toll for those who use this corridor. Sounds plausable, actually it sounds good. A toll to be levied on those who use this highway and passage to the mountains.

However an alternate plan, by Sen. Andy McElhany, R-Colorado Springs, was passed. A plan to charge drivers a toll of up to $5 each way at the Eisenhower Tunnel was approved instead by the Senate Transportation Committee with a 5-2 vote.

Ok a money maker there. A stupid one , but a money maker. Why is this plan stupid? Simple. Much of the congestion is caused by the traffic going into the tunnel. So why would you put a toll at the tunnel and force the traffic to stop there. This will cause more backups dictates common sense. Oh no it won't you say. The electronic pass can come into play. OK good come back but have at you. Will out of staters really stop and purchase an electronic pass for a one time or a a few times useage over the coarse of years. I don't think so.

So now it comes down to reality. How much will the Colorado tax payer have to dig out of his ever shortening pockets to pay for the widening of the tunnels and highway? Good question. Answer, probaly millions if not billions. Billions is more likely. Seeing how the airport was such a cost effective construction. With overruns and poor contract work. If the state leads the way in overseeing any part of this it will cost you and me a lot more then I am willing to pay.

So then what is my solution. Well first the state must QUIT kowtowing to a private organization like Ski Country USA. A simple user fee can be placed on ski passes and the resorts. Not a huge fee but a minor one of a penny per several dollars. Ski Country has no issue with raising the rates on passes to make money, so they should not have a problem with this. Seeing how the tax payer bails them out all the time anyway. The get free reign over CDOT with demands on the highway.

Do not tell me different either. I worked for CDOT on the I-70 corridor and know from first hand experiance who runs the show.

Then we MUST ELECT OFFICIALS who think in the long term. Not in bandaids for problems. Look at T-REX a bandaid for a problem that didn't go away but is still there. CONGESTION.

I am a native to this state, meaning I was born and raised here. Not an implant from Texas or California. The issue of front range and mountain congested traffic has been around siince the 60's. All we as Colorado citizens have recieved is platitudes and quick fixes that in the end only cost more money. We need a long term solution to these problems.

A proposed rail from Ft. Collins to Pueblo. First proposed in the early 70's. A good idea.

A proposed rail system from Denver to Vail, another good idea, although some logistical road blocks. But not insurmountable.

Alternatives to quick fixes and bandaids is needed. A long term solution, or options are needed. Not another hand in, every few years into our pockets.