Baumgartner’s tax vote wrong

How is it that the rest of our Spokane County Republican caucus voted against a transportation package that raises our gas taxes by 32 percent, yet Sen. Mike Baumgartner voted for it? What happened to him in Olympia this year?

I remember when I was the face and voice of his “Veterans for Mike” campaign against Chris Marr. I told him I would do it, but that I had to be solid with my integrity and conviction. We sat at my kitchen table, reviewed the script, and we were good. I could wake up in the morning every day and stand on those campaign words. Not so for him, now.

He stated back on June 29 on his website, “We had to spend our transportation dollars more efficiently and effectively. … A few years from now, you’ll be able to drive from the Little Spokane River to I-90 in just under 12 minutes.”

Well, the tax increase paid by his constituents will enable that efficiency. And try 10 to 15 years for that drive, not a few. His character and integrity depend on who writes him the big checks. I hope he enjoys the rest of his summer.

Christopher Ferrez

Spokane