McDonnell says he'll tackle transportation in first year

Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell said today that he expects to propose ways to fund transportation during his first year in office.

In an hour-long question and answer session with reporters at the annual Associated Press Day at the Capitol, McDonnell said that "at some point during his first year" he will take up transportation funding improvements.

But, McDonnell acknowledged that "transportation is the most difficult thing in the short term to accomplish."

Afterward, the governor-elect, who will take office on Jan. 16, said he has not decided whether he will ask for a special session to deal with transportation.

His 12-point roads plan includes selling the state's publicly run Alcoholic Beverage Control stores, trying to put toll booths on Interstates 95 and 85 at the Virginia-North Carolina line, and increased use of public-private partnerships.

"I think our current transportation bureaucracy moves too slow, it's too ineffective, there's too many excuses and there's not enough of a can-do problem-solving way of getting things done -- especially with the public-private transportation act," he said.

He said he'll make some changes to that act.

"I want to have the PPTA be a very important part of our transportation solution. Not only is it consistent with my view of the role of the private sector, but, more important in down economic times, public-private partnerships are a great way to leverage state resources," he said.

Despite his zest for more privatization deals, he appeared to throw cold water on the proposed privatization of the Port of Hampton Roads. Three private companies have bid to buy the port facilities and lease them back to the state.

The port is such a valuable asset that companies would have to offer "an intensely compelling financial offer" for the state to sell it, he said. He said the port's future value must be factored into any decision.

McDonnell said the new administration is studying the sale of the ABC stores so that the state would not lose $120 million in annual profits. He said the sale could produce $300 million to $500 million. During his successful campaign, he used the higher number -- $500 million.

Efforts in the past to privatize the stores haven't been successful, but that they haven't had this kind of backing from a governor.

McDonnell reiterated his campaign promise to reopen 18 rest stops within the first 90 days of his administration. The rest stops closed last July for a lack of money. He has proposed four options for funding including allowing businesses to "adopt" them.

An interviewer asked McDonnell to address religious broadcaster Pat Robertson's comments after the Fort Hood shootings that Islam is not a religion but a violent political system. McDonnell attended Regent University, which Robertson heads, and Robertson has contributed money to McDonnell's campaigns.

McDonnell responded that he speaks for himself and his administration.

"I don't think it's necessary or proper for a governor to have to support or defend any statement that particular donors or supporters may say," he said, adding that he intends to run a government that is inclusive.

Asked whether there is a rhythm to his spiritual life, McDonnell, a Roman Catholic, said "I'm out of rhythm" after the campaign.

He then joked: "Sometimes I've been on my knees more often after reading the morning paper."