subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Sun, Jul 05 2009 

Published: April 29, 2008 04:27 pm    print this story  

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.

print this story  



Zillow
monster
autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Premier Guide

Find a job! Find a Home! Find a car!

Featured Jobs

Technicians
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS
Exam Date: 9/12/09
Filing Period:
7/6/09 -7/22/09
EXAM FEE: $20.00
N.F. WA
...>MORE

Senior Resident Counselor
SENIOR RESIDENT COUNSELOR: Responsible for the Case Management and Rehabilitation Planning for a caseload of residents i...>MORE

Sales support
20 yr old industry leader, is expanding thru-out USA. Sales support position in our N. Falls, NY office. Salary, 8:30-5...>MORE

Customer Service
Niagara Orleans Country Club is looking for part time help through October in club house. Some weekends required. Apply ...>MORE

Direct Support Professional
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) – RESIDENTIAL
Are you interested in exploring a career that will help individuals
...>MORE

CLEANERS
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE

Packagers
Packagers , General
Production & Assembly. 1st shift. Sanborn area.
Remedy, 298-4933
...>MORE

Cleaners
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE

LPNS
LPNS, Certifid HHA's and Certified PCA/s needed. Several shifts available. Full and part time hours. Must be able to wor...>MORE

Accountant
Accountant
(Manufacturing)


Payroll/benefits reporting, cash receipts, accounts payable, GL mainten
...>MORE

See all ads

Feature Autos

Ford Escape XLT 2001
FORD ESCAPE XLT 2001, remote start, new catalytic converter, 116K, $3800 or best offer. 480-3031...>MORE

1994 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
BUICK 1994 Roadmaster Estate Wagon, V8, 130k, fair condition, 1 owner. $2800 or BO. 297-1061....>MORE

1990 Chevy 2500
1990 CHEVY 2500 pick up, fresh paint, 160k mi, good runner, 4WD, ext cab, $2500, 716-572-9153...>MORE

Chevrolet 2002 Cavalier
CHEVROLET 2002  CAVALIER    with 80,00 miles. Must see! Well maintained! Silver ext.,  Gray int.,  2DR,  Automatic,  Fro...>MORE

1994 Pontiac Sunbird
PONTIAC 1994 Sunbird conv. V6, EC in & out, red w/blk top, wht int., CD, real sharp. $2850. 523-7102...>MORE

1997 Ford Taurus GL
FORD 1997 Taurus GL, good condition, cold A/C, cruise, 1 owner, white. $1995 or BO. 990-6187....>MORE

Audi 1998 A6 Sedan
Audi 1998 A6  Sedan  with 160k miles.  Charcoal ext.,  Tan int.,  4DR,  Automatic,  AWD,  6 Cylinder,  Gas  engine. Pow...>MORE

RNs
SCHOELLKOPF HEALTH CENTER

C.O.T.A.- Short Term
Rehab Clinic

Opportunity to work in dynamic
...>MORE

1950 Plymouth Custom
PLYMOUTH 1950 Custom, 4 dr, good shape, $1,500/BO. 795-0074...>MORE

Olds 2001 Intrigue
Olds 2001 Intrigue, 130k runs great, leather, sun roof clean inside/out. $3000or BO. 628-6295...>MORE

See all ads




 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index