Stuck in "Persistent Traffic Congestion"... When an one-cent increase in taxes was proprosed in a traffic tax referendum just over a year ago, Northern Virginia overlooked their traffic congestion and united to stick it out in long commutes, overcrowded roads, and aggressive driving. (Meanwhile, Tidewater Virginia wisely opted to tax themselves a penny more to ease their traffic concerns.)

Well... apparently the "region's persistent traffic congestion" was discussed in a Fairfax Debate Runs Into Traffic article in today's The Washington Post. Unfortunately, it appears that traffic congestion might eventually be handled at the county level rather than at the regional level, since Loudoun County is commited to strangling itself with "Smart Growth" to the point of "The prospects for regaining Loudoun County’s economic momentum have been “significantly

dampened,” according to Fuller. As a result, Prince William will overtake Loudoun in total value of economic activity by 2005." (Loudoun County Easterner, 09/17/2003, 'New “growth” report finds county lacking')

Oh well... like most of my neighbors, I guess I tend to avoid politics and taxation unless it's to my benefit? Considering it takes me thirty minutes to an hour to commute the 11.7 miles from house to the office during rush hour, I really think Northern Virginia should really consider its options regarding mass transit and roads. Extending the Metrorail from Vienna to Dulles would help Fairfax and Loudoun Counties enormously. The addition of lanes on Routes 28, 7, 50, and 66 appears long overdue. Fairfax County Parkway and Prince William Parkway both bear a large amount of commuter traffic and should be considered for additional lanes or improvement. If improvements to transportation take an increase in taxes or a change to county budgets, aren't the benefits immediately visible? Better transportation allows for shorter commutes, an ease on congestion, better access, and better business (making for a better economy).