Fund TRAX through gas tax

The county has proposed a ballot issue for November: whether we want to increase our property taxes for the accelerated expansion of TRAX. The debate claims it would be better to impose a cent sales tax to fund TRAX. That way everyone who comes to Utah will help pay the tax, not just residents. But both taxes are wrong.

The correct tax to improve public transportation is a transportation or gas tax. Those who want to avoid the tax can hop on the bus and pay a user fee and receive a direct benefit. Those who buy gas and pay the taxes benefit by having fewer cars on the road.

Currently the only tax imposed on gasoline is a state tax and a federal tax. It would be unfair to the people in Iron County to pay a state tax to expand TRAX. The state Legislature needs to change the tax structure on gasoline so that a local tax can be levied.

Kurt Mortensen

South Jordan