Chairman's Message
A pleasure to serve you

It is difficult for me to believe this is my final Chairperson’s letter to you. Wilson Aungst takes over as your Chairperson on April 1. Serving you in this position for the past two years has been an honor and privilege for me – it’s something I value very much and has brought me a great deal of pleasure.

In this farewell letter, I want to share with you our AAA’s Motorists’ Bill of Rights, which was outlined in December 2006 by our national President and CEO, Bob Darbelnet, at the National Conference of State Legislators in San Antonio, Texas.

The Bill of Rights follows, to a great extent, the findings of public opinion surveys conducted by AAA and the Texas Transportation Institute. Those surveys showed the public is concerned by the increase in traffic congestion (more so in urban than rural areas) and feels more money is needed to maintain and improve our transportation system. A majority of respondents (52 percent versus 40 percent) preferred adding tolls on roads rather than increasing taxes on motor fuels, sales, income, property or on vehicle miles driven. Thirty-nine percent would rather have the tolls placed on new roads and highways while 33 percent felt the tolls should be added on new and existing roads and highways. As you read the 10 principles of the Bill of Rights outlined below, you’ll see they reflect the findings of the surveys. President Darbelnet has also stated that funding levels should be based on clearly identified needs and tied to performance outcomes. Basically, Bob, on your behalf, is asking how the money will be used, what’s the goal for the money, and how will you, as motorists, benefit?

AAA Central Penn strongly supports Bob’s comments and the Motorists’ Bill of Rights. I believe he is right on target with our needs at the state level.

R. Mac Reeves, Chairperson
AAA Central Penn