Pubdate: Thu, 14 Jan 2016 Source: Tennessean, The (Nashville, TN) Copyright: 2016 The Tennessean Contact: http://www.tennessean.com/SITES/OPINION/submit-editor.shtml Website: http://www.tennessean.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447 Author: Randy Smith POT CAN PAY FOR ROADS Are we sure, Tennessee? Are we absolutely sure that marijuana legalization isn't in our best interest? While not a native of this state, I am rapidly learning that highway maintenance isn't a priority here. Now, I don't know about you, but if a citizen wants to blaze in his own home, it should be his right. Let that consumer go to his local dispensary, make his purchase and contribute (above the outrageous nearly 10 percent sales taxes) to the general fund. Now, may we use the monies in that fund to repair what feels like some of the worst highways in the United States? Everyone knows that Interstate 40 is the busiest east-west interstate in the country, that is, except the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Potholes large enough to cause accidents. Pitiful hot-mix repairs. No shoulders on U.S. highways? And then there is the 440. TDOT, since you obviously have neither the money nor the good sense to make that road safe, may we request that you just cover the thing with gravel? Maybe it will somehow fill the myriad holes in the road. Drop the speed limit to 30; that's what everyone is having to drive now because of the pitiful road conditions. Perhaps our politicians should focus on infrastructure just a little. No money? Legalize marijuana - it's here and it isn't going anywhere. Randy Smith, Dickson 37055 - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom