Governor Tim Kaine talked to residents and lawmakers about his plans to pay for transportation funding in Staunton Thursday evening.

The meeting at Mary Baldwin College was one of a series of town hall meetings that will be held around the state in preparation for a special session with the General Assembly next month.

Kaine wants to increase the motor vehicle sales tax from three percent to four percent, bump vehicle registration fees up by $10, and raise the grantor's tax by 25 cents.

A number of people turned out for Thursday night's meeting to give their feedback about the transportation plan. The thought of tax increases has not gone over well with some people

Ben Marchi of Charlottesville says, "We want to explain to the governor that spending is something that needs to be looked at, not increasing taxes, especially in uncertain economic times like these."

However, others say the tax increases are probably necessary.

Blair Williamson, also a resident of Charlottesville, says, "I think if you take a no tax pledge, you're taking one of the tools off the table that you have to work with. It's the main tool that you have to work with."

Kaine says, "Transportation infrastructure is part of the thing that helps the economy be strong, so there's no way we can avoid this problem. If we want to have a stronger economy we've got to invest."

In the meeting, Kaine discussed his plan in depth, saying the revenue generated by the tax increases would pay for solutions for safety issues that come from traffic congestion. It could also fund some projects that are on hold after the Commonwealth transportation board cut $1.1 billion from its six-year plan.

Kaine says his plan would also fix an aging highway system that may become unsafe without repairs. Many in the crowd commend the his effort.

"There's something now on the table for people to talk about. They're not going to go to Richmond without having any solution. There is a solution there and if people don't like the solution, then it's up to them to improve it," says Bill Kyger, Rockingham County Supervisor for District 4.

The General Assembly's special session will begin June 23.