In fact, California politicians and especially government employees are among the less crooked around. Try doing anything with property or getting a street fixed Back East - bring plenty of green grease. Doesn't mean all politicians are not crooked; anybody who spends somebody else's money will lean in that direction if left to do it long enough without oversight (cf. Vernon or Bell). But most, in fact, are not, and neither are most government employees. Surprisingly few in California, really, violate laws related to government expenditures and political practices.

I happen to agree that we haven't collected or spent enough money on transportation (chiefly roads, but other things too). With the last GAS TAX (not HSR or general tax) increase being more than 20 years ago, we were due for another one just on inflation grounds, and the amount it was raised was consistent with inflation over that time (especially in construction costs). If anything, it was on the low side.

So yes, we have here the people who want it all but don't want to pay for it standing up and screaming. So sorry; if you want roads and transit, you have to pay for them. Not that man behind the tree, YOU the road user. Most of the money is dedicated to roads, and can't (legally) be diverted to other (transportation) purposes except as particularly specified. It was a reasonable increase IMO. It has not made a large change in the price of gas - changes that have occurred are due mostly to other things, and so far the gas prices I've observed don't fully reflect the gas tax increase after accounting for everything else.

The claim that by repealing the tax you will see a 12c decrease in gas price is an outright lie. There is nothing in the proposition or any other law that requires that, and no reason to believe it will happen. Oil company and middleman profits will simply increase by 12c per gallon. Thank you for boosting the value of Chevron stock.

Finally, you can gripe all you want that all politicians are crooked by definition, and claim that you can get something (roads) for nothing (in taxes). You won't get roads (or even pothole patches) for nothing, but at least in California you get to vote on it (most states, and nearly all "Red" states, don't have the initiative and referendum process). Given the viewpoints expressed, none of you are capable of participating in a reasoned conversation. You believe that everybody is out to take your money for their own profit and provide nothing in return: there are many PRIVATE businesses that do that, but few governments I've come across, at least in the western US. But you're so set in your belief (belief: a strongly held position that has no basis in objective reality) that nothing can change it. Enjoy your high blood pressure. I'd prefer to read about, and occasionally ride, trains.

-Out