End studded tire use

Now that snow covers the ground, I kind of miss that jolly ripping sound studded tires make on dry pavement. Although I am being sarcastic, the reality of allowing continued use of such a barbaric product, knowing its destructiveness, is ludicrous. Just as nutty is the proposed SB 6032 that purports to offer a solution by paying for the damage by charging a $5 fee for each studded tire sold in Washington. This would raise a piddling amount equal to 2 percent of the state’s estimated annual cost of $25 million to repair the damage caused by studs to state roads.

This bill has the stink of an appeasement crafted by the industries that benefit from continued use of studs, all in an effort to head off a real solution. The four sponsoring senators should explain!

If there is one issue that all Spokane residents can agree upon, including those who drive with studs, it is the perpetually miserable condition of our roads and streets. I encourage all who concur to encourage our state and local leaders to hold out for the real solution, which is “No studs now!”

P.S. I confess to being a former card-carrying studded-tire user.

Al Payne

Spokane