LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF TEXAS JOINS IN LETTER TO GOVERNOR PERRY ABOUT TRANSPORTATION CONCERNS

AUSTIN - May 12, 2011 - The Libertarian Party of Texas joined a coalition of groups in a letter to Governor Perry

expressing concerns about pending legislation that resembles plans for

the previously defeated and controversial Trans Texas Corridor.  The

letter, originating from Texans United for Reform and Freedom (TURF),

has been joined by TexPIRG, Texans for Accountable Government, Campaign

for Liberty and Central Texas Republican Liberty Caucus. 

"We are happy to work with TURF on common principles that lead to better transportation policy," said Pat Dixon, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Texas. "While

we hope for more private solutions to transportation, we are concerned

that the nature of transportation in recent years has been at odds with

free market principles."

The Libertarian Party of Texas's platform expressly opposes the Trans Texas Corridor.  The Libertarian approach to transportation is:

• We do not oppose private entities building roads
• We do not oppose such a road paid for by its users
• We do not oppose such an entity residing outside the U.S.
• We do
  
  oppose forcing taxpayers to assume financial liability for a private
  
  investment arranged with monopoly protection and powers of eminent
  
  domain
• We do
  
  oppose diverting fuel taxes, which are intended to pay for roads, to
  
  government spending that has nothing to do with transportation

The Libertarian Party of Texas

welcomes the opportunity to work with others that share common

principles on issues such as transportation policy.  Despite

differences on specific details, we seek to advance liberty by working

together where possible with those individuals and organizations that

promote policies consistent with our principles.

The Libertarian Party is the

third-largest political party in Texas, and stands for constitutional

government, free markets, civil liberties and peace. You can find more

information on the Libertarian Party of Texas at www.lptexas.org.