Readers write (April 21): Voter ID, taxing by the mile, Vikings stadium, BP oil spill, public safety

The front page of the April 20 Star Tribune reports on proposals that would spend time and taxpayer money on two really stupid efforts: requiring voter photo ID and collecting tax revenue for transportation by the miles driven.

The voter ID requirement addresses a nonexistent problem and avoids the real potential problem in absentee voting. Its objective is to disenfranchise voters likely to vote Democratic.

Paying tax by the mile adds a substantial cost in collection and to car owners. The real objective seems to shift the transportation cost burden to those who are trying to reduce our carbon footprint and our dependence on foreign oil.

Those driving heavy vehicles, trucks and big SUVs -- which cause by far the greatest damage to our roads -- would again further escape paying their fair share in maintaining our roadways. The easy solution is to increase the gasoline tax, which has an efficient collection infrastructure already in place.

DENNIS ANDERSEN, MINNETONKA

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Why does government make everything it does so expensive and complicated?

But consider: All motor vehicles must be registered and licensed by the state. Every year license tabs are renewed.

Beginning Jan. 1 on the first year of this project, ask all owners to submit their mileage when renewing tabs.

All new-vehicle sales are already registered with the state at purchase. Used-car sales by private individuals would also record mileage at that time.

In year two, when license tabs are due, mileage would be submitted along with the tab request, and owners would be assessed the appropriate fee.

At the time of vehicle traded or resold, mileage would be submitted to the state by the seller, and any fee due would be paid at that time by the seller.

No charge for the idea, MnDOT.

LOUIS H. OUELLETTE JR., ST. PAUL

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As stated, collecting this "tax" will cost four times as much as the one already in place. It sounds like there's a gas-guzzler's lobby active in my state.

Not only that, but this policy seeks to punish people for buying fuel-efficient cars. In these hard economic times, it's hard to think of a system more counterproductive or unfair.

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On April 16, the Star Tribune Editorial Board declared the potential new Vikings stadium to be "a key state asset" worthy of public financing.

I contend that the Minneapolis Farmer's Market -- the most likely site for a new stadium, considering the statements of Hennepin County Board Chairman Mike Opat -- is a far greater asset than the Vikings or any other segment of the entertainment industry could ever be.

The Farmer's Market is an effective and brilliant use of public space. It engenders entrepreneurship among independent small-scale farmers while also filling the growing public demand and desire for fresh local food.

Further, it serves as a vehicle for the provision of fresh produce to our food shelves through the work of Second Harvest Heartland within the market.

JACK FULTON, MINNEAPOLIS

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I remember how upset my grandpa was after bringing groceries to an impoverished family member and seeing a shiny new home theater system in their living room. That's what I keep thinking of when we talk about building another stadium in our present financial situation.

LILY COYLE, MINNEAPOLIS

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When are we going to see the photo of the thousands of dead birds at wind farms?

JIM DOTSETH, PLYMOUTH

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Today our dear sweet friend, daughter, sister and coworker Tonia Sorenson passed from this world into the next. She was truly an inspiration for so many people.

She had many health issues throughout her 38 years, but handled them with strength, courage and grace. Her greeting of "good morning" and her beautiful smile will be greatly missed by her coworkers at Faegre & Benson.

No one's life is worth the extra two minutes sooner you may get to your destination. Please watch out for pedestrians, slow down in intersections, stop at yellow lights.

Drive like your daughter is in the crosswalk.

SUSAN QUINN, BLOOMINGTON

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