The following is a press release from Marconi for Connecticut:
Exploratory candidate for governor Rudy Marconi has released a new Web commercial calling for putting all-electronic tolling (AET) on Connecticut highways.
"These tolls take traffic at regular speed, without slowing, and they could generate $1 billion a year," said Marconi. "We pay tolls to drive through New York and Massachusetts. Why shouldn't they pay to drive through Connecticut?"
He said tolls would reduce congestion and provide needed funding for transportation, which would attract business to Connecticut.
Marconi first called for tolls in an op-ed that appeared recently in the Connecticut Post.
Marconi's data comes from a study of AET conducted in 2009 by the state's Transportation Strategy Board.
John Symon
3:08 pm on Monday, January 24, 2011
This is a dumb idea. No wonder his campaign didn't last long.
"These tolls take traffic at regular speed, without slowing, and they could generate $1 billion a year," said Marconi.
Well, Rudy, the $1 billion 'generated' doesn't fall from the skies -- it is our money! Call it what it is -- a tax!
Sadly, this idea has caught on... I just read that they are looking at $5 toll station on I-84 in Danbury. So the traffic will just increase on Mill Plain and Ridgebury Roads. Lovely.
localmom
6:16 pm on Monday, January 24, 2011
"Why shouldn't they pay to drive through Connecticut?" Really? I think he means US. No thanks. We already have the honor of more expensive gas than NY.
John Symon
10:49 am on Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Yes.. bad idea. News-Times had a story on it yesterday. Seems like most area leaders are against it (besides Marconi).