|
Published: April 29, 2008 04:27 pm
EDITORIAL: Thruway Authority out of control
Staff Reports
Niagara Gazette
Despite opposition from many elected officials, the Thruway Authority’s board of directors recently approved a series of toll hikes that managers say will bring in an additional $125 million annually.
The toll hike comes at the worst possible time, with worries about a faltering economy and rising gas and food prices. People are beginning to make major cutbacks in spending to make up for the rising prices. The word “recession” is being tossed around by government officials and don’t forget the mortgage crisis.
Thruway managers say the hikes were unavoidable because traffic volume hasn’t been high enough to cover the cost of a $2.1 billion highway and bridge repair plan.
Drivers who pay cash will face a pair of 5 percent hikes, while some drivers who use the EZ-Pass will see what amounts to a 28 percent increase because of higher rates combined with lower discounts for using the electronic toll collecting system.
In all, the toll increases are expected to generate an additional $25 million this year, $97 million next year and $125 million each year after that.
But where is this money really going? Are we seeing tangible improvements that warrant these hikes? Or is this just the work of an out of control, unmanaged governing body?
The Thruway Authority is an independent board with members appointed, not elected. They, in essence, do not answer to anyone — as evident by the furor that Albany leaders have expressed about this recent hike.
State and local officials have been outspoken about their outrage over the apparent free reign of the Thruway Authority, even calling for its removal.
Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has denounced the toll hikes said the entire Thruway board — appointed by former Republican Gov. George Pataki — should resign. Not often we find ourselves thinking Shelly Silver is the rational one, but even he understands the problems toll increases present.
But as of yet, no one has been able to actually take control of the Authority and make changes.
This is what happens when there is no system of checks and balances. There should be no committee or governing body that does not have someone above them. Out of control spending and rate hikes with no apparent end in sight are the result of poor planning and in the total lack of accountability.
|
|
|
|
 |
FOREMAN & LABORERS
Basement Waterproofing co. needs a foreman & laborers for expanding business, exp. w/interior drain tile a plus, 471-723...>MORE
Dietitian
Dietitian with duties to incl. cooking & ability to give direction in a health facility's dietary dept. Benefits incl. 4...>MORE
Hospitality/Tourism Instructor
Hospitality/Tourism. NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE is seeking applications for part-time instructor to teach hospita...>MORE
Dental Reception
Maintenance
Supervisor
FT Maintenance Niagara Falls YMCA. HVAC, electr., plbg, carpentry, cleaning, pool. $13....>MORE
Private Investigator
Private Investigator
Proven ability and equipment to conduct surveillance, background inquires and searches. 1-5 ye...>MORE
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner, Family or Geriatric Per diem visits, to complete an assessment form with a home visit. $40. per v...>MORE
Marriage Counselor
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
...>MORE
Driver
DRIVERS – CDL A
TEAM DRIVERS NEEDED FOR
DEDICATED RUNS
No touch freight............Good miles
...>MORE
Retail Manager
RETAIL Manager needed, exp needed, full time. Fax resumes to Hyde Park Laundry 285-8677....>MORE
Nurse Practitioner
NURSE PRACTITIONER-CARDIOLOGY. Full time. NYS license with one year of recent coronary care or cardiovacular care experi...>MORE
See all ads |
1999 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 1999 Caravan, 33, V6, auto, A/C, 99k miles, good cond., runs great. $1950. 525-7796...>MORE
Monte Carlo Z24 1998
MONTE CARLO Z24, 1998, runs good, average miles, excellent shape, $1800 , 990-2303...>MORE
Yamaha 1982, 750
YAMAHA 1982, 750, runs perfect,
low mileage, $895.
716-525-2889...>MORE
Dodge 1993 Dakota 4x4
FORD 1999 WIndstar, LX, fully loaded, 38k miles, $3850. Excellent condition 860-4747...>MORE
Chevy 1994 High Topper Van
CHEVY 1994 High topper van, high road miles, mechanically sound, $900 or bo, 716-510-8105...>MORE
Nissan 1993 4x4
NISSAN 1993 4x4, extended cab, bedliner cap, $1200 or best offer, 715-2450...>MORE
Chevy 1995 Pickup
CHEVY 1995 Pickup truck, 4WD, 5 speed, must see, never had plow on it, $2800 bo, 804-5579...>MORE
1996 Saturn Sport Coup
SATURN 1996 Sport coup, 4 cyl, auto, exc cond in & out, loaded, CD, no rust, 97k orig. mi, $2195. 523-7102....>MORE
1984 Cadillac Eldorado
CADILLAC Eldorado 1984, runs, inspected, $500. 283-3552....>MORE
Ford 2001 Taurus
Ford 2001 Taurus Station wagon, well maintained, 112,000 miles Siver ext. 4 dr, auto, asking $2800/BO. 716-772-2454....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
