Fuel tax vote is today

Monday, September 12th 2005, 10:50 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma voters are heading to the polls to vote today on State Question 723, which would fund statewide road and bridge repairs. But the money will come at a price, one you'll pay at the pump.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood takes watchdog groups say it's a problem too dangerous to ignore. Oklahoma's bridges and roads have been consistently rated as some of the worst in the country. Now a citizen petition has a fuel tax hike to fund road repairs ready for a statewide special election Tuesday.

Many say the critical incident happened last June when a chunk of a bridge over I-35 crashed through Yvonna Osborne's windshield, killing her instantly. Now Osborne's family is lined up behind State Question 723, saying no price is too high for safety. The price they're asking, 5 more cents on every gallon of gasoline, and 8 more cents for diesel.

So far, they've had a problem convincing Oklahoma drivers the tax is worth it and that it will be spent where they say it will. Motorist Conni Werther: "But isn't there money from somewhere else that could be taken? We already pay for other things. I think it should come from somewhere else."

Supporters of the fuel tax have lined up some big names to endorse State Question 723, including former OU coach Barry Switzer, but the issue isn't gaining support among voters.