What was Said at the Transportation THM

Kaine: We need to raise REVENUE to pay for transportation. I propose increasing the revenue we get from insurance; increasing the new car sales fees to be on-line with the 5% sales tax we pay elsewhere (full sales increased on top of the car tax), higher registration fees, and higher fines and fees from habitual offenders and reckless drivers.

Kaine: I will lock up the transportation trust fund.

Opens to Questions:

Blah, blah, blah . . ..

Lady in front asked HOT question: What will you do about protecting the HOV?

Kaine: Talks about how car-pooling is important.

Other Questions: Blah, blah, blah . . ..

Kid: I am from Hylton (or some other) High School and want to know if you really plan to raise taxes rather than cut other programs. My mom is a teacher and we need the money.

Kaine: Yes! Must -- RAISES -- REVENUE (almost said the T word).

Man in front with Red Hair: Governor. Thank you for being here. I think that you were asked a question earlier tonight regarding the HOV community. The Virginia Department of Transportation says that over 35,000 people use the 95/395 HOV every day. But rather than question if you answered the previous question, I would (turns to audience) ask this. Applaud if you ever used the HOV!

RESOUNDING APPLAUSE.

If you think you want HOT, the TOLL ROAD, stand up.

No one moves, then, NO! NO! NO H-O-T is heard from every corner.

Man with Red hair held up a hand to quell the crowd.

The road from Richmond to Washington goes through the middle of Prince William County and the HEART of that road is the HOV. If you want to travel from Richmond to Washington, you need to protect the HOV.

Kaine: Yes. We need to protect the HOV.