Gas Tax Opponents Press Their Point

Opponents of a continue their efforts to defeat the bill in the court of public opinion.

Protesters gathered along Route 40 and Winters Lane to wave signs at passing motorists and collect signatures on petitions at three gas stations along the intersection.

The gathering Saturday morning in Catonsville was the latest in a number of such rallies this year organized by the Baltimore County chapter of Americans for Prosperity. The group advocates for smaller government.

Hafiz Habib, owner of the BP and Gulf stations at the intersection, said he supports Gov. Martin O'Malley but opposes the gas tax.

"He does a good job for Maryland but this bill is not good for Maryland," Habib said.

O'Malley has proposed a 6 percent sales tax on gas. The money raised would go toward transportation projects.

The fate of the bill is uncertain and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said the bill may not see a vote until late in the session.

If passed, Habib said the new tax would hurt his business.

"Business is down," Habib said. "Higher taxes will drive business down. Gas prices are already very high. People don't have jobs and no income and can't afford the high (price of) gas."

Not everyone who passed through the intersection supported the group's efforts.

One man who pulled away before identifying himself, drove through a gas station parking lot to yell at the protestors.

"We live in a civilized society and we pay taxes," the man yelled from his Subaru Outback. "If you dont want to pay taxes, move to Haiti."