Promote efficient driving

Gasoline at $6 a gallon by the November election, and our government stands idle and unresponsive. Our elected representatives propose solutions by 2025. Actually, they count on tax revenues from gasoline sales, so they don’t want us to save fuel. They control the transportation system’s roads and rules and are doing little to help us drive more efficiently.

At least a hundred common-sense actions are available to improve the fuel efficiency of our traffic system. Let’s start by supporting I-985 that requires traffic light synchronization. Increase speed limits on the downhill slopes of roads to allow less braking and more coasting. Provide more parking spaces in congested business areas. Provide carpool parking lots in the communities surrounding Spokane.

Our economy relies on people driving their cars to obtain goods and use services. When families reduce driving, it causes businesses to lose customers. Then they lay off their employees, which causes a downward spiral through the economy.

Out-of-work citizens can’t pay taxes. The all-powerful government can take our homes for non-payment of taxes, so why is it powerless to help us save fuel? We the people need to speak to and be heard by our inept government officials.

Pete Scobby

Newport, Wash.