PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manasquan, NJ – October 9, 2008
Representatives of the grassroots group, Citizens Against Tolls, are appalled by the latest efforts of Governor Corzine and the NJ Turnpike Authority to foist the cost of transportation projects solely on the backs of toll road users.
Citizens Against Tolls (CAT) recognizes tolls to be the most inefficient and expensive of all taxes - collection costs are enormous! Meanwhile, the ideal and sensible method of funding transportation improvements - a dedicated, small increase in the existing gas tax - continues to be ignored. Pennies on the gas tax will raise millions; and collection costs, already in place, are minimal. CAT recognizes that the Governor and all 120 Legislators hide from this efficient tax, not giving the Public credit for being able to see the wisdom of this funding method and tolerate and absorb it. The Governor has twice sidestepped his responsibility on this issue. First, by not insisting that proper Public Hearings be held by the Legislature and secondly by using the current job-loss crises as an "excuse" to impose the toll tax.
CAT members and representatives see through this sham; and, if the currently-proposed toll tax increases are railroaded through, as is expected to happen, the organization will embark on a campaign to bring the truth to the Public and cast significant doubt on the wisdom of this man's re-election.
Further, CAT questions the position of certain Turnpike Authority Commissioners - Commissioner Harold Hodes works for one of Trenton's major lobbying firms. Does his firm have clients who might profit from proposed Turnpike projects? And Commissioner
Ray Pocino is VP of a major labor union. Again, could his union profit from Turnpike projects? The rush to pass this proposal has precluded the Public from having proper time to investigate such issues.
Inadequate public hearings, hearings held at inconvenient times and places, lack of Legislative input and process all have joined to prevent proper public participation.
Such audacity needs to be seen clearly for what it is - a public-be-damned philosophy of government.CONTACTS:
Phyllis Elston
Raymond G. Neveil
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR TOLL ADJUSTMENT
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority will conduct public hearings relative to a proposed toll adjustment.
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008 – 6:00pm to 8:00 pm
Camden County Community College, 200 College Drive, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008 – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
NJ Turnpike Authority Headquarters, 581 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008 – 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652
SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING
Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
NJ Turnpike Authority Headquarters, 581 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Submit written comments to info@turnpike.state.nj.us, or:
Executive Director
NJ Turnpike Authority
581 Main St.
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
For more information please CLICK HERE
