Moore outlines DOT reforms

Richard Moore says road building should be less political.

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate has proposed increasing transparency for decisions on new projects, eliminating legislative "slush funds" for transportation and banning political fundraising by members of the state Department of Transportation board.

"Effectively addressing our transportation needs starts with removing politics from our transportation decisions," he said in a statement. "We need to focus on building roads where they are needed—not where political insiders want them."

First, Moore said the DOT should establish guidelines for deciding when to approve new road projects and making the results public.

Second, he said the legislature should end the practice of giving its leaders discretionary funds for transportation projects.  

And third, he said the 19 members of the DOT board should be prohibited from raising money for political campaigns, noting that they have collectively contributed more than $500,000 since 2000.