Posted on Wed, Oct. 25, 2006

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Some voters think roads get bypassed

By JOHN O’CONNOR

johnoconnor@thestate.com

When the new bridge over Interstate 77 at Killian Road opened, traffic only got worse for neighbor Tom Queen.

For Queen, 39, dealing with growth is a top issue that few candidates are talking about at the state level.

“It’s always about taxes, better schools,” he said. “I think they should start talking about something that affects quality of life.

“The roads and those issues, they’re not going to go away.”

Growth is usually a local issue, and the candidates for governor have discussed it little.

Republican Gov. Mark Sanford has said that new residents have caused an uptick in the state’s unemployment rate and restructuring the Department of Transportation could free up more money for roads.

Democratic challenger Tommy Moore is more concerned about promoting growth in rural areas to attract jobs and other opportunities.

Tina Adams of West Ashley worries the state is letting roads and bridges deteriorate.

“If you don’t have a safe road, who cares if your school bus is brand new,” she said.

Adams said planning is a local issue but the state needs to help with highways.

“They just keep building and building and building,” she said. “When are they going to build new roads?”

Queen said the state should do more to coordinate with local government and find new ways, such as impact fees, to pay for schools, roads and other needs.

“The answer is always money,” Queen said. “I would be open to impact fees, especially for big businesses.”

Reach O’Connor at (803) 771-8358.