On any challenging issue, progress begins when you listen to people. Then it’s time to figure out a strategy and lead — bring lawmakers together and make your case so compelling even members of the “opposition” party want to share in your success. When you listen, tackle challenges together and share in the success, anything is possible.

Voters are willing to pay more if the money is used to improve local roads, bridges, state highways and pavement quality statewide. Increased registration fees, targeted taxes or other road-usage models are all options that should be on the table. Lawmakers must have an open and honest discussion regarding Wisconsin’s transportation needs.

The time has come for progress. It will take strong leadership from both Republicans and Democrats.

There aren’t Democrat roads or Republican highways. The roads and bridges of Wisconsin are ours, an essential investment for the ongoing prosperity and continued safety of our state.

Politicians on both sides have ignored the warnings and kicked the can down the road. The people of Wisconsin are thirsty for leadership on this issue. They know our roads and bridges are in rough shape. And they want our governor and lawmakers to come together and fix it.

We won’t fix all our transportation needs overnight, but we need to get started before the problem gets worse.

Tommy G. Thompson was governor of Wisconsin from 1987-2001, winning a record four gubernatorial elections. He also served as U.S. secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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