Illegal Or Unpopular

State Sen. John Carona gets it right in a news story, where he is quoted as saying the state’s transportion agency “may well have crossed a legal threshold” when it enaged in a $9 million program to convince Texans to stop worrying and learn to love the TransTexas Corridor. The senator from Dallas should have stopped there.

He then said “the even greater issue” is that TxDOT is pushing a program that is “so unpopular with the public.” Apparently its okay to violate basic principles when something is popular.

Thomas Jefferson once said that “to compel a man to furnish funds for the propigation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrranical.” Texas law prevents atgencies from lobbying lawmakers. And commonsense would seem to indicate that it’s inappropriate to use taxpayer dollars to advertise for a particular policy position.

It frankly doesn’t matter if the policy position is popular or unpopular — taxpayer money shouldn’t be used in that way.

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."