Year of the Rabbit could be just what we need

Gung Hee Fat Choy!

It’s now a day into the lunar new year of the Rabbit, or Hare, a good time to take stock of the months ahead as the jai digests.

Tucked between last year’s Tiger and next year’s Dragon, the year of the Rabbit should be one of transformation, healing and relaxation, the astrologers say. A kinder, gentler time in which diplomacy rules.

Kind of makes one think about the lull of 2011 after last year’s contentious midterm elections and before next year’s sure-to-be wild political season.

So go on, chill out. Harmonize and refresh. Embrace the Bunny. Hop to it.

Is tax hike pouring more money down pothole?

Rep. Joe Souki, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, on Wednesday admitted that state money that is supposed to be set aside for road maintenance has regularly been raided in recent years for budget-balancing purposes.

He might have added that perhaps our legislators should stop raiding that money and instead use it for what it was intended: maintaining our highways and roads.

But, noooo. His response — and that of his committee — was to approve legislation that would almost double both the vehicle registration and vehicle weight taxes as a way to generate about $56 million in the first year.

But if we couldn’t count on those tax revenues being used for their intended purpose in the past, why should we think that will change in the future?

It seems Souki and crew might need a new road map.