The Jeffersonville City Council got into the debate on Monday night after first refusing to even vote on it at their last meeting. Councilman Keith Fetz introduced the ordinance and then was the only one who voted in favor of denouncing the tolls.
Indiana State Senate candidate Ron Grooms reportedly said he would not make decisions for something he knew nothing about. I would expect someone who wants to be a leader in Southern Indiana to familiarize themselves with the largest project this region will ever see.
I have devoted a lot of column space to the fight against the possible plan to use tolls as a way to fund the Ohio River Bridges Project.
After I held a meeting with the "SAY NO TO TOLLS" group, and then attended a "Bridges Authority" meeting I felt it was important for everyone to stand up against the tolls.
YOUR VOICE NEEDS TO BE HEARD
The New Albany City Council took a huge step by being the first government body to stand up to the "Bridges Authority" by introducing and approving a resolution against tolling on bridges to pay for the project. Since that time the Louisville Metro Council has also taken steps to vote on a similar resolution.
CITY COUNCIL CAN SEND CLEAR MESSAGE
I cannot understand why anyone would think that tolls are a good idea. It is hard enough to get people to come to New Albany without charging them and Hoosiers shouldn't have to pay to work in Kentucky.
WE MUST SAY NO TO TOLLS
It is one of the most important decisions that will be made and have the largest effect on our region in my lifetime.
2 comments:
Matthew,
The bridges. How timely that the Jeffersonville City Council took a vote on tolls. No surprises there. Unfortunately, the Jeffersonville and Clark County polical representatives like Ron Grooms, don't bother to find out the information, despite the years of debate, so that they can commit to an opinion. Oh, there it is, commit to an opinion. Yeah, I know. I am either implying that they are not interested enough to stay updated on the topic, or too fishy to commit. Sounds like politics as usual. Anyway, thanks to the NA City Council for making the stand, although it be symbolic, to raise the awareness to defeat the toll issue. Build the east end bridge first, take care of current bridge infrastructure, then see what we can do to be fiscally responsible to maintain what we have. Let's avoid the irresponsible spending practices that my Clark County representatives have encountered. Waiting 40 plus years for a bridge that was required years ago is a crime against the people of the Falls Cities area as well as visitors to our communities. Carry on the fight Matt.
It is definitely symbolic, it has no weight at all. Most people want everything for "free", who doesn't. The gas tax should be raised 200 - 300% to keep up ith the construction cost inflation over the last 20 years to just barely keep up much less add anything new.
I can see where it will be needed to add tolls to all major roads eventually just to be able to maintain what we have.
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