Friday, December 20, 2013

TOLL SUPPORTERS LOOK AT SAKONNET BRIDGE USERS AS "REVENUE STREAM" TO BAIL OUT RITBA & RIDOT

Those with a self-interest in Sakonnet tolls continue to try to use the enormity of the infrastructure problem to disguise what's really going on (see link below). If the State faces a $100 million need, how will failing to create a Statewide maintenance process help? Will users of the Sakonnet Bridge be forced to pay for the rest of the State, as well as to keep the quasi-public RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority afloat? How will crushing the East Bay's economy help the State's finances? 

The only responsible course is to create a non-toll, Statewide maintenance process, and we the voters need to make clear it's also the only politically viable course.

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x140442603/East-Bay-Bridge-Commission-maintains-that-toll-on-Sakonnet-River-Bridge-is-still-unfair

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

BRIDGE-MAINTENANCE COMMISSION MEETS TO CONSIDER TOLL ALTERNATIVES

The Commission examining bridge-maintenance funding will soon put out its recommendation, hopefully one that would create a non-toll, Statewide bridge-maintenance program. Those interested in being heard on this issue can attend their Thursday, Dec. 19 meeting, and/or send a written statement to the Commission. 

As decision time nears, every voice in support of our local Senators & Representatives efforts to eliminate Sakonnet tolls and put in place a fair, non-destructive maintenance system is important.

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/bridge-panel-meets-thursday/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Friday, December 13, 2013

EAST BAY LEGISLATORS CONFIDENT SAKONNET TOLLS WILL BE ELIMINATED

It's great to see our East Bay legislators united in working all-out to both eliminate Sakonnet tolls and put in place a fair, responsible, non-toll Statewide process to maintain our bridges. And while it's also great to see increasing confidence that the RI Legislature will do the right thing, it's crucial to not let up the effort until the toll-equipment is actually removed from the Sakonnet Bridge once and for all.

All who oppose these tolls should do their part to stay informed and support our local officials' efforts. Every voter can add his/her voice to the effort to make clear to all elected officials outside the East Bay that there is no benefit to supporting the destructive, unfair Sakonnet Bridge tolls, or failing to create a responsible Statewide bridge-maintenance program.

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x2132763744/East-Bay-R-I-legislators-confident-that-Sakonnet-River-Bridge-tolls-will-soon-be-gone

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Monday, December 9, 2013

REP. EDWARDS HOLDS OPEN HOUSE ON TOLLS, LOCAL ISSUES ON WED. DEC. 11 @ 6:30p AT COMMON FENCE HALL

State Representative Jay Edwards (District 70 / Portsmouth/Tiverton) is holding an Open House for constituents this Weds (Dec 11) @ 6:30p at Common Fence Point Community Hall in Portsmouth (933 Anthony Rd). 

He will give discuss the status of the Sakonnet Tolls issue, give an update on the Legislative Commission on tolls/bridge maintenance funding he is part of, and discuss other local issues of interest. All are encouraged to attend.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

THE TRUE REASON FOR SAKONNET TOLLS

Even the most ardent proponents of Sakonnet tolls can no longer hide the true reason for imposing them: RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority is in dire financial straits, and is looking at users of the Sakonnet River Bridge as a "revenue stream" (in the words of RITBA Executive Director Buddy Croft in the article linked below) to bail this quasi-public agency out of a financial crisis having nothing to do with the Sakonnet River Bridge. It's as simple, and unfair, as that.

It's crucial that all Rhode Islanders understand the facts. The tolls won't pay for the bridge construction; that was done by a bond RI taxpayers are paying off. More than 90% of the funds raised by Sakonnet tolls will not go to maintaining this new bridge. The funds will go to fill a $200 million gap in RITBA's finances over the next decade, a crisis not due to Sakonnet River Bridge maintenance, which will be minimal for this new structure.

The fact that RITBA is facing a $200 million shortfall should be all the information legislators need to see the irresponsibility of funnelling more taxpayer funds into this unsustainable system, especially with all the economic damage a Sakonnet toll will cause. The issue facing each legislator (and candidate for State office) is whether he/she will support the residents and businesses of the East Bay, or come down in support of a destructive toll that amounts to a $200 million taxpayer bailout of a quasi-public agency.

Anyone supporting Sakonnet tolls needs to explain why East Bay residents and businesses will be the only ones in the State forced to be a "revenue stream" to subsidize bridge maintenance and the operations of a quasi-public agency. The only responsible course is to create a statewide, non-toll system to fund bridge maintenance, and hopefully that will be the outcome of this Legislative Commission.

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/east-bay-pols-residents-once-again-question-need-for-tolls-on-sakonnet-river-bridge/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

POLL: RHODE ISLANDERS OVERWHELMINGLY OPPOSE SAKONNET TOLLS

Rhode Islanders oppose Sakonnet River Bridge tolls by an overwhelming 57%-35% margin. Further proof that this toll is not only bad policy, but bad politics. Any government plan opposed by such a wide margin will eventually be reversed, and will negatively impact any politician who supports it (all 2014 Statewide candidates need to be reminded of this poll). 

It's time that our Statewide officials followed the lead of our East Bay Reps & Senators who are working to scrap tolls in favor of a responsible maintenance plan.

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/poll-most-dont-want-sakonnet-river-bridge-toll/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Friday, November 8, 2013

RITBA IS CHARGING EZ-PASS ACCOUNTS OF DRIVERS WHO AREN'T EVEN USING THEM

RITBA is apparently charging the EZ-pass accounts of drivers who cross the Sakonnet Bridge but don't have their EZ-pass in the car (they apparently trace the license plate). They claim this is to "help" drivers whose EZ-pass doesn't register. If you don't want them doing this without your permission, you can go to your EZ-pass account and remove your license-plate from the account, and then RITBA will need to send a bill instead. You should be able to call RITBA and have them do this on the phone.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

GOVERNOR CANDIDATE FUNG OPPOSES SAKONNET TOLLS

Allan Fung, Republican candidate for Governor, announced in his candidacy statement that he opposes tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge, and supports alternative ways to fund bridge maintenance.

There are two main avenues to pursue to eliminate tolls. The first is to convince the committee considering toll alternatives (and the General Assembly they will report to) of the destructive consequences and blatant unfairness of these tolls, and the need to put in place a statewide, non-toll means to fund bridge maintenance. The second is to make clear to all State officials, including candidates for Governor, of the negative political consequences of supporting tolls.

Getting every candidate for Statewide office on the record regarding these tolls is crucial, and making sure it's known that a broad section of East Bay voters (and many others across the State) will vote only for those who pledge to oppose tolls. Especially in low-turnout primaries, a motivated, coordinated effort on this issue can be the deciding factor.

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20131104-cranston-mayor-allan-fung-confirms-run-for-r.i.-governor.ece

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Monday, October 21, 2013

REP. CANARIO SEEKING AUDIT OF RITBA FINANCES

Rep. Dennis Canario is seeking a full audit of the finances of the quasi-governmental RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority (link below). RITBA is the agency currently charging the 10-cent toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge, and which is seeking a much higher tolls to fund its operations. All who oppose these destructive tolls should do everything possible to support our local elected Representatives and Senators as they work to convince our State officials of the need for a fair, statewide bridg-maintenance program that doesn't hurt local residents & businesses with tolls.

A full accounting of RITBA's operations & finances needs to be part of any serious effort to create a fair, effective bridge-maintenance program. The simple fact is that over 90% of RITBA's proposed tolls will fund RITBA's budget, not Sakonnet Bridge maintenance. RI taxpayers own the bridge, & are paying for the bonds that built it. 

Our local elected officials are all working to create a fair statewide system without adding destructive tolls. Our State government needs to join them, and put the interests of the people who own the bridge before those of a quasi-governmental agency looking for East Bay residents & businesses to fund their budget.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://tiverton.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/representative-seeks-audit-of-ritba-finances-tiverton

Thursday, October 10, 2013

RITBA NOW WILL SEND OUT TOLL-BILLS

Of course they are. Because most of the funds RITBA wants to raise by tolls will go to pay for RITBA's budget, facility, personnel, etc, and NOT maintenance on the Sakonnet Bridge, which would require LESS than a 10-cent toll. This toll is a shell-game that some want to impose on East Bay residents & businesses. We have less than three months to support our local Senators & Reps in getting SRB tolls eliminated in favor of a fair, Statewide system of funding bridge maintenance.

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x1803840193/RIDOT-starting-to-send-out-toll-bills-to-Sakonnet-bridge-frequent-fliers


Brian Medeiros

Tiverton, RI

Thursday, October 3, 2013

COMMISSION ON TOLL ALTERNATIVES HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP ALL RHODE ISLANDERS


The Commission exploring alternatives to tolls has an opportunity not to just undo a destructive & unfair toll on SR Bridge, but to create a responsible and even-handed means of maintaining bridges across RI. The recommendation of this Commission, and action then taken by the General Assembly, will demonstrate whether our State government is interested in truly solving a problem, or simply in using East Bay residents & businesses as a means to fund the budget of the quasi-government RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority.

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/special-commission-gets-broad-overview-of-states-infrastructure-ills/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Friday, September 27, 2013

TOLL ALTERNATIVE COMMITTEE BEGINS WORK

The next few months are crucial in this effort to eliminate destructive tolls and maintain bridges across the State in a fair, responsible way. Those on this committee need to hear from as many people as possible, as do State leaders. Bridge maintenance is a financial issue, but laying this burden solely on East Bay residents and businesses is a political issue. Those who continue to advocate this outrageous toll scheme must know there will be a long-term political price to pay.

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x511629730/RI-legislators-ponder-how-to-fund-efforts-to-bring-roads-bridges-up-to-snuff


Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

COMMITTEE CONSIDERING TOLL ALTERNATIVES BEGINS MEETING THURSDAY

As the committee charged with exploring a statewide system to maintain bridges without tolls begins meeting this Thursday, the time for toll opponents to make their opposition heard is now. The obvious arguments of fairness and the destructive and divisive results of tolls need to continue being made loud and clear. But it must also be made clear to the State's political leadership that Sakonnet Bridge tolls, whatever the amount, will never be accepted, and those who support tolls will pay a political price.

With the top advocate of tolls, the Governor, not seeking re-election, it's the ideal time for State leaders to put this divisive issue behind them and devise a non-toll means to fund maintenance to all state bridges fairly and efficiently.

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/bridge-fundingtolls-study-panel-begins-work/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

PROJO: GOV. CHAFEE WILL NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTION

Governor Lincoln Chafee has decided not to run for re-election next year. Beyond all the other implications of this decision, it has the potential to drastically change the Sakonnet Toll issue. The primary supporter of tolls will not be Governor after next year, nor a candidate in the 2014 campaign. There are three ways this could benefit the united effort to eliminate destructive tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge.

First, there is an opportunity in the 2014 primaries to support only candidates who oppose SRB tolls. This is why it's crucial to form a united electorate committed to turning out to vote in 2014 and support only anti-toll candidates.We need to get all candidates to take a clear stand on the issue, and make sure all voters know which candidates will stand with the people of the East Bay.

Second, as the committee charged with considering alternatives to tolls and a Statewide process of funding bridge maintenance begins to meet, the equation has been altered. With the primary proponent of imposing this unfair tax on East Bay residents and businesses no longer a candidate, it's time to maximize efforts to convince those on the committee, and our Senate and House leadership, that there is no upside to supporting these tolls. This committee is the ideal opportunity to correct a bad situation. and responsibly fund bridge maintenance in a way that treats all Rhode Islanders equally.

And third, this presents an opportunity to persuade Governor Chafee that however well-intentioned this toll plan might have been, it's also the most unfair, inefficient, and destructive means to address the maintenance issue. With a year left in office, surely he doesn't want this divisive and wrongheaded toll plan to be his lasting legacy with an entire region of RI, any more than State and House leaders do. Supporting a non-toll maintenance process that is uniform statewide would solve two problems and remove this contentious issue.

This Sakonnet Toll process has been a maddening and frustrating one. The absolute promise of the State not to consider tolls on the replacement bridge was simply disregarded, the unfairness of targeting only one region with tolls disregarded, the near-unanimous opposition of residents and businesses ignored.

The bridge belongs to us, the people of RI who paid for it, and we must not accept our elected representatives handing control of it over to a quasi-public agency whose primary concern is covering their operating budget. Tolls are a betrayal of the people, and a bad deal for all except the RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority. The time is now to correct course and devise a bridge-maintenance plan that will solve the problem without creating worse ones.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20130904-r.i.-governor-chafee-will-not-seek-re-election-poll.ece

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

TOLL CIRCUS: 10-CENT "TRAINING TOLLS" START AUG 19, RITBA SAYS DRIVERS MUST CONTACT RITBA TO PAY

Once again, you can't make this stuff up. 10-cent "training tolls" are set to start Aug. 19, but RITBA has yet to figure out how to collect the toll from non EZ-pass drivers. Even better, RITBA Director Darlington says it will be the legal responsibility of the driver to contact RITBA and pay the toll, not for RITBA to have a system to collect them. Honestly, this is the organization some want to turn OUR bridge over to? The Committee set up to consider toll-alternatives needs to come up with a fair, non-destructive means of maintaining ALL bridges in RI and end this toll circus.

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/tolls-to-start-aug-19-collection-issues-remain/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Thursday, July 25, 2013

RIDEM SUES TIVERTON TO BLOCK ORDINANCE DESIGNED TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER

You can't make this stuff up. RI Department of Environmental Management, the State agency charged with safeguarding the environment, is now suing Tiverton. Our offense? Our Town Council passed an ordinance regulating fishing tournaments on Stafford Pond, a major source of drinking water. That's right, RIDEM is fighting a community trying to protect its environment! Why? No doubt these tournaments are a source of revenue for RIDEM, so instead of putting in place sensible regulations themselves, they sue a community for trying to do so. After all, what could possibly go wrong with unregulated boats and fuel on an area's drinking water supply?

The next time someone asks you how far beyond rational RI State government has gotten, you need only point them to the Sakonnet River Bridge tolls and RIDEM suing to stop a town from protecting its envirnonment. Hard to believe we have State (or quasi-State) agencies putting their financial needs above the good of the people they serve.


http://www.heraldnews.com/newsnow/x273440789/DEM-files-suit-against-Tiverton-to-overturn-Stafford-Pond-ordinance

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

LEGAL BATTLE TO STOP TOLLS CONTINUES

The legal battle against tolls continues, and hopefully a court will step up and stop SRB tolls. But these tolls were put in place by our State officials, and whether to remove or increase them is a political decision. We need as many people as possible to get involved, to call and/or write the Governor, leaders of the House and Senate, and members of the Committee studying alternatives to tolls. The committee report is due in January, and our State leaders must be encouraged to do the right thing and create a fair, non-destructive means of funding bridge maintenance across RI.

http://www.heraldnews.com/newsnow/x273439155/U-S-Court-of-Appeals-OKs-withdrawal-of-Sakonnet-toll-appeal-sends-case-back-to-District-Court

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

STATE BRIDGE-MAINTENANCE COMMISSION FORMS

Good to see local elected officials (Representative Jay Edwards, Senator Lou DiPalma, and Senator Christopher Ottiano) appointed to this Commission, which will explore alternatives to tolls as a means of funding state bridges. The outcome of this Commission is key to eliminating the 10-cent "training toll" set to begin in August for good, and putting into place a responsible, fair, non-destructive means of funding bridge maintenance across RI.

The 10-cent toll was enacted with the idea that it would keep the toll option open until this Commission's work is done early next year (a lawsuit making the obvious claim that the bridge was "substantially completed" last year when it opened to traffic is still pending). Our State leaders now have an opportunity to come up with a statewide means of funding bridge maintenance, which treats all taxpayers equally and fairly, and that doesn't require economically-destructive tolls.

And the people of Rhode Island, especially those in the East Bay most affected, have an opportunity to stay informed and get involved in pushing our State leadership to do the right thing for all Rhode Islanders. Spread the word to all you know across RI. Call or email not only your Representative and Senator, but the Senate and House leadership, the Governor, and leaders of RIDOT and RI Bridge & Turnpike Authority. The system only works when the people step up and make it work.

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/house-senate-leaders-appoint-lawmakers-to-commission-to-study-funding-for-state-bridge-maintenance/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

NEW PROVIDENCE BRIDGE: WILL IT ALSO HAVE TOLLS/"USER FEES"?

If State of Rhode Island policy is now to require tolls (or "user fees" as the euphemism goes) on new bridges, can we expect to see tolls placed on this new bridge in Providence? On all new bridges going forward? Or does only the East Bay get that honor?

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20130715-rebuilding-begins-of-major-bridge-carrying-route-95-through-providence.ece

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Friday, July 12, 2013

THE SIMPLE TRUTH: SAKONNET TOLLS ARE TO FUND RITBA, NOT MAINTAIN NEW BRIDGE

Read this article and decide for yourself whether RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority is primarily concerned with the needs and financial well-being of the people of RI, or the financial needs of RITBA. They aren't looking to charge what's needed for bridge maintenance. They are looking to charge whatever they decide RITBA needs to fund its operations, most of which have NOTHING to do with the Sakonnet River Bridge. This is why they look to raise $20 million/year from tolls when SRB maintenance is less than $2 million/year.

Even if you buy the hypocritical argument that bridge users should solely pay for maintenance (hypocritical since only East Bay residents & businesses would be forced to fund maintenance this way), how can anyone justify making SRB users pay for the $2 million in SRB maintenance, PLUS another $18 million of RITBA's budget? Anyone who supports the Sakonnet Toll should be required to answer these simple questions about the fairness and logic of the tolls, not to mention the economic destructiveness.

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x273433759/At-a-dime-per-car-RIBTA-looks-for-a-way-to-turn-a-Sakonnet-Bridge-toll-profit#axzz2YqJluqQZ

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

RITBA CORRECTS DOUBLE-CHARGING; STILL NO ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CHARGING CREDIT CARDS MORE THAN AUTHORIZED

Although it's good RITBA is acknowledging & correcting the double-charging issue in this article, it has nothing to do with what happened to me & many others. We weren't double-charged as the result of some computer glitch. We were told the cost for 2 transponders was $45, we authorized a credit card charge of $45, and RITBA ignored what was on the form and charged $70. Either RITBA still doesn't understand what happened, doesn't care, or is hoping people won't notice.

http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/wpri-jamestown-dozens-of-ez-pass-customers-overcharged-fees-rhode-island-bridge-and-turnpike-authority-tolls-sakonnet-jmq

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

RI RANKS 49th AS BUSINESS-FRIENDLY STATE; HOW DO BUSINESS-KILLING TOLLS HELP?

Rhode Island is ranked 49th out of 50 states for being friendly to business. State leaders have pledged to improve that image and reputation. Now, can someone explain to us how imposing a business-killing toll on a major road, against the adamant and near-unanimous opposition of area businesses, elected officials and residents, helps the State's image as business-unfriendly?

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI


http://blogs.wpri.com/2013/07/10/why-does-ri-lag-minnesota-and-mass-in-the-cnbc-rankings/

Thursday, July 11, 2013

ADDING INSULT TO INJURY

It's bad enough that we have to continue to fight a ridiculously destructive and unfair toll that no other area of the State faces. It's bad enough we were promised an open process, showed up at meetings and contacted State officials in large numbers with near-unanimous opposition to tolls and were ignored any way. It's bad enough the General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to delay tolls and then reversed course at the behest of RIDOT & RITBA, putting RITBA's financial concerns before those of the people who pay the bills. But now some who purchased transponders in good faith are having their credit cards charged more than they were told or agreed to. And RITBA is now suggesting they might go back on their decision to only charge one round-trip per day. Can't wait to see what's next...

http://tiverton.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/frustrations-flare-over-ezpass-transponders?a_dgi=aolshare_facebook

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

LATEST TOLL OUTRAGE: TRANSPONDER OVERCHARGING

Yet another outrageous toll development. RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority has been offering a "special discount" on transponders. Under this discount, each transponder would cost $10 (and RITBA would provide a $10 credit as well). With the specter of $4.25 tolls looming, my wife & I purchased two transponders, including a $25 deposit in the account, for $45. Our receipt clearly shows the cost as $45, and authorizes RITBA to charge our credit card $45.

Today, I found that RITBA charged our credit card $70. I called RITBA, and was told the $45 price was in error, and there was nothing they could do. In addition to the frustration of what appears to be either a bait-and-switch scheme or unacceptable incompetence, I am outraged that RITBA would charge my card for more than we authorized (isn't that illegal?). The RITBA employee had no answers, and when I asked to talk to a supervisor, I was told none were available. I was told I could return the transponders for a refund, but that obviously does me no good (unless Sakonnet Tolls are eliminated next year as they should be). All who purchased transponders should immediately check your credit card account, and contact RITBA (1-877-743-9727) and demand answers for any overcharges. Rep. Jay Edwards has asked that anyone who was overcharged contact him (662-6280) and he will work to resolve the issue.

The larger issues are knowing by what right RITBA charges a credit card more than authorized, and finding out how this mess could happen. Is this really the agency we want to give full authority to tax us at will to cross over OUR bridge, which we paid for and own? The media and our elected officials should investigate this and RITBA's operations. We pay the bills, and we deserve answers. And we should demand of our State officials a fair, open, efficient means of maintaining infrastructure in ALL of Rhode Island.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

PROJO: RITBA CONCERNED ABOUT FUNDS LOST BY TOLL DELAY

As this article makes clear, Sakonnet Bridge tolls are all about the financial needs & issues of RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority, and not the people of RI who paid for, own, & use the bridge. This isn't about responsible bridge maintenance; it's about RITBA exploiting an opportunity to raise as much money as they can get away with. Infrastructure needs to be fairly & responsibly funded by ALL Rhode Islanders, and be under the control of elected officials accountable to voters, not some quasi-public agency putting its own agenda before ours.

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20130710-r.i.-authority-estimates-it-could-lose-13.5-million-in-sakonnet-river-bridge-toll-delay.ece

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Sunday, July 7, 2013

HERALD NEWS: TOLLS & POLITICAL PROCESS FURTHER HARM STATE'S REPUTATION

Our State leaders insist they're trying to improve RI's anti-business image. Someone needs to explain to them that tolls that cut parts of the state off from the rest reinforce that bad reputation. And this shameful process doesn't help, either, as this Herald News article makes clear.

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x1808711448/RI-battle-over-Sakonnet-River-Bridge-charge-keeps-changing#axzz2YL3LRIqs

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

Friday, July 5, 2013

FALL RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSES SAKONNET TOLLS

Even business interests across the border in Fall River, who stand to gain some economic advantage if Rhode Island cuts off the East Bay from Southeastern MA, are speaking out against these destructive Sakonnet Tolls. Hopefully our State leaders will realize what's obvious to just about everyone else.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI


Thursday, July 4, 2013

TOLLS ARE BACK -- SO WHO IS BEING IRRESPONSIBLE?

Check the quote about "passing the bill on to our children" in the Herald News article (link below).
Those responsible for 38 Studios and other classic examples of bad government have the audacity to criticize those who oppose destructive tolls, selectively imposed just on the East Bay, as wanting to pass the bill on to our children? Absolutely unbelievable. Let's see what they say when tolls are introduced that negatively impact THEIR constituents every day.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x606638191/After-voting-to-delay-Sakonnet-River-Bridge-tolls-RI-legislators-reverse-course-impose-10-cent-toll#axzz2Y6fROTBp

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

TOLL DELAY FIGHT NOT OVER YET

If after such overwhelming votes to delay the tolls in the House and Senate, if the Governor and Turnpike & Bridge Authority can bully the General Assembly into backing down on this crucial issue, it's the final nail in the coffin of credibility for our State leadership. And we must make sure people remember and vote accordingly next year.


http://www.turnto10.com/story/22734972/tolls-economic-agency-dominate-sessions-endgame

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Thursday, June 27, 2013

SENATE APPROVES BUDGET WITH TOLL-DELAY BY LARGE MARGIN / GOES TO GOVERNOR


The Senate has approved the Budget, with the toll-delay provision, by an overwhelming margin. It now goes to the Governor, who can either sign it or veto it. Given the huge margins in both House & Senate, it seems likely any veto would be overridden. This improbable outcome is almost a reality.

NBC10 ARTICLE ON STATE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

NBC10 story on the highlights of the State Budget passed overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives, which includes the Sakonnet Tolls delay until at least February, and the formation of a committee to consider alternatives to tolls. The Senate could approve the Budget today, and send it to the Governor for his signature or veto (if vetoed, the House & Senate could vote to override and pass the Budget without the Governor's approval).

http://www.turnto10.com/story/22698554/details-from-82b-budget-as-passed-by-ri-house

PROJO UPDATE ON STATE BUDGET, SENATE VOTES THURSDAY

With the House of Representatives having overwhelmingly voted to delay Sakonnet River Bridge tolls until next year as part of their approved State Budget, the Senate will vote on this proposal Thursday. The Senate Finance Committee approved it quickly and overwhelmingly, 9-1.



http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/06/ri-budget-goes-to-senate-thursday-after-fast-finance-panel-passage.html

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

HOUSE OF REPS APPROVES STATE BUDGET WITH TOLL-DELAY, NOW MOVES TO SENATE


The House has approved the State Budget, including the Toll-Delay provision. The House's Budget plan now moves to the Senate for approval. If the Senate approves the plan, it will go to the Governor for his signature or veto (which the House & Senate could override).

HOUSE OF REPS APPROVES TOLL-DELAY PLAN 67-4

The Toll-Delay deal received near-unanimous support in the House, a 67-4 vote to include it in the State Budget. It appears to be a done-deal in the House.  Pending final passage of the State Budget, Sakonnet tolls will be delayed until at least February, with a committee to be formed to consider alternatives to tolls to fund bridge maintenance.

For this delay to take affect, the Senate must now approve the budget put forth by the House, which includes the Toll-Delay plan. The Budget must then either be signed into law by the Governor, or if he vetoes it, the House and Senate will need to vote to override his veto (which seems likely given the 67-4 vote margin). All eyes turn now to the final budget vote in the House (possibly this evening), and the Senate budget vote.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

NBC10 REPORT ON TOLL-DELAY PROPOSAL VOTE

http://www.turnto10.com/story/22697108/ri-house-votes-to-delay-sakonnet-toll

RI TURNPIKE & BRIDGE AUTHORITY: "BUT WE ALREADY BUILT THE TOLL PLAZAS!"

So let me see if I have this straight: the Turnpike & Bridge Authority's position is that our elected officials should reject a responsible way to fund bridge maintenance across the State without destructive tolls because...RITBA rushed to spend millions to install toll equipment, knowing full well that efforts were in the works in the Budget process to eliminate the tolls, and before the result was clear. No wonder they feel the need to bleed the East Bay to fund their operations.
Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20130626-late-budget-change-would-postpone-tolls-on-sakonnet-river-bridge-until-at-least-april.ece


TOLL-DELAY DEAL REPORTED AS APPROVED, STATUS STILL UNCERTAIN

There's still some uncertainty & conflicting reports over the status of the toll-delay deal in the House of Reps. The Turnpike & Bridge Authority and RI DOT continue to try to do all they can, contrary to our elected officials, to push tolls on the people of the East Bay. But it appears the House has approved the toll-delay deal as part of the budget. Still looking for definitive confirmation of House approval (when final budget is passed), and info on the likelihood of Senate approval and either approval by the Governor or an override of his veto. More to follow as reliable info becomes available.

CHANNEL 12 ARTICLE ON POSSIBLE TOLL-DELAY DEAL


Channel 12 report on the possible delay-of-tolls deal. Will update as more info becomes available.

PATCH ARTICLE ON POSSIBLE DEAL TO DELAY TOLLS

Patch article on the potential deal to delay Sakonnet River Bridge tolls until at least April, and form a committee to spend that time looking at alternatives. This will be a big step towards sanity if it's approved.

http://tiverton.patch.com/articles/sakonnet-toll-collection-on-could-be-postponed-until-april

TOLL DEVELOPMENT AT STATE HOUSE TONIGHT


Sakonnet Times article on SRB tolls developments at the State House today. Will update as more info is available.

Not definite yet, but there may be a big break in the fight to stop the tolls. But even if the tolls are in fact delayed until next April, it just means we have additional time to persuade the General Assembly and Governor of not just the economic destructiveness of these tolls, but the ballot-box consequences of imposing them.



http://www.eastbayri.com/news/house-debates-one-year-toll-delay/

Thursday, June 20, 2013

STATE REP. DENNIS CANARIO: TOLLS=DEVASTATION

I am being cautiously optimistic that the House leadership is going to keep tolls off of the Sakonnet Bridge. I cannot stress my statement enough... If tolls come to the Sakonnet Bridge, The ENTIRE state will be effected! This will be complete devastation. 

If anyone has not done so yet, please contact your Representative and Senator no matter what part of the state you reside in.

Speaker Fox should personally hear from businesses on how they will be effected (401-222-2486). This is a state wide issue. We cannot afford to further cripple this state.

Lets do the math:
* Loss of state revenue (millions of dollars)
* Loss of business
* Loss of tourism
* Loss of jobs
* Added expense to the average household
* Added hardship to those who cannot afford transponder
* Added expense for school children
* Added expense to state by reimbursing toll fees to state workers
* Added expenses to the state/towns who use the bridge daily
* Added expense to those who seek daily medical care
________________________________________
= Devastation

PLEASE SHARE THIS PAGE. THE ECONOMIC FUTURE OF THIS STATE DEPENDS ON IT!

SAKONNET TIMES EDITORIAL AGAINST TOLLS

Link to an excellent editorial on bridge tolls and the hypocrisy of our State government on this issue.

http://www.eastbayri.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-cash-to-spare-toll-deals-river-daty/

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

EMAIL STATE LEADERS TODAY IN SUPPORT OF ANTI-TOLL BRIDGE MAINTENANCE LEGISLATION

There is a bill before the General Assembly that would create a funding source for bridge maintenance across the State that wouldn't require additional tolls. If passed, it will prevent tolls from starting on the Sakonnet River Bridge in early July. The bill is now up for consideration in both the RI Senate and House of Representatives.

Great job by Sen DiPalma, Rep Edwards & our other local elected officials working to stop this. But they need our support to let GA leaders know that SRB tolls will be destructive, that this issue is vital, & that failure to act won't be forgotten by voters, next year and beyond. 

Each & every call & email to GA leaders can make the difference. Please take a minute to make your voice heard. And spread the word. Working together, we can insure that our State officials do the right thing for all the people of RI.

House Speaker Gordon Fox (rep-fox@rilin.state.ri.us)(222-2447)
House Finance Cmte Chair Helio Melo (rep-melo@rilin.state.ri.us)(222-2738)
Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed (sen-paivaweed@rilin.state.ri.us)(222-6655)

Thursday, June 6, 2013

LETTER: TOLLS A POLITICAL PROBLEM REQUIRING A POLITICAL SOLUTION

The facts about planned tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge are undeniable: it’s one of the most destructive, unfair, fiscally irresponsible, and anti-business actions our State government could have concocted. Yet, despite near-universal opposition from area officials, businesses and residents, tolls are looming. Why? What’s become clear is that this is a political problem requiring a political solution.

We’re told the tolls are necessary to fund maintenance of the new bridge, which costs $2 million/year. But RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority plans to collect $20 million/year in tolls; 90% will go to fund RITBA operations that have nothing to do with the bridge. There are several responsible proposals in the General Assembly to fund maintenance without tolls, as in the rest of RI. Beyond using East Bay residents as a piggybank to fund RITBA, there is no logical rationale for these tolls, but there is tremendous downside for the East Bay and the State.

Anyone needing to cross the bridge daily will be “taxed” $500/year, including businesses and their employees (when both spouses cross daily, it’s a $1000 family tax). An area reliant on out-of-state customers and tourists will lose much of that revenue as many refuse the absurd $10.50 cost of a round-trip. Already-congested roads in Bristol County will get worse as drivers use the Mt. Hope Bridge to avoid tolls. The State will lose a major source of revenue when Newport Grand patrons go elsewhere. And the State’s anti-business image, which State leaders want to reverse, will be reinforced.

Either our State leaders don’t understand the consequences of these tolls, or aren’t concerned with the East Bay. They have an opportunity now to do the right thing and support budget bills that would rescind the tolls. If they fail to do so, it’s up to us as voters to elect new leaders. This issue is important enough to create many single-issue voters.

 “Voters Against Sakonnet Tolls” (VAST) is a non-partisan, grassroots effort, uniting RI voters in pledging to vote only for candidates who actively oppose these tolls. This issue crosses all political views and parties. Voting in a unified way, we can be a deciding factor in statewide races, especially low-turnout primaries. To get involved, visit www.sakonnettolls.blogspot.com or search “Voters Against Sakonnet Tolls”on Facebook. And spread the word; there is strength in numbers.

East Bay voters have long memories, and this issue isn’t going away. Politicians considering a statewide candidacy at some point will be held accountable for how they acted in our time of need. State government should be responsive to the people, and working on a responsible way to fund infrastructure without destructive tolls, not making things worse.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

OVERVIEW OF "VAST"

Voters Against Sakonnet Tolls (VAST) is a non-partisan, grassroots effort to unite voters in the East Bay (and across Rhode Island) in voting only for candidates who actively oppose the plan to impose destructive tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge. The goal is to either persuade the current State leaders to reverse this irresponsible toll plan, or work to elect new leaders who will. This is a political problem, and it requires a political solution.

VAST is focused on this single issue, and is open to all who want to join the effort, regardless of political party or views on other issues. The aim is to inform voters about the position on Sakonnet River Bridge tolls of the various candidates, especially for statewide offices, and encourage as many as possible to vote on this single issue until the threat of tolls is eliminated.


To join this effort, join the VAST Facebook page (search Voters Against Sakonnet Tolls), or follow this blog. Comments are welcome on both, but please be respectful and stay to this single topic. There are many issues that divide us. This is one issue where we can and should all work together to get the proper result: no tolls on the  Sakonnet River Bridge.


There are currently several bills before the General Assembly that would fund bridge maintenance without tolls. All are encouraged to call, email, or write to leaders at the General Assembly, and the Governor, to make clear that this issue will not go away, and will drive many votes in 2014 and beyond. We hope that our State leaders will do the right thing and end this toll threat to our community. If not, and legal challenges do not succeed in stopping the tolls, State leaders need to know there will be electoral consequences in 2014 and beyond.


VAST has no formal membership, and will not raise or spend money. The sole purpose is to provide a simple means for people who oppose the Sakonnet tolls, in the East Bay and beyond, to share information and unite in using our votes to stop this monumental example of bad government, being done despite the unanimous opposition of local officials and near-unanimous opposition of local businesses and residents.


We have the right to challenge our leaders, in a firm but civil way, to explain why they've saddled us with these tolls, with all the destructive consequences to so many. Bridge maintenance can be easily funded without them, as it is across the State. And we should ask how they can claim to be trying to change RI's anti-business reputation while imposing this most anti-business toll plan. Elected officials have a right to vote as they see fit. We, the voters they represent, have the power, through our united vote, to either change the minds of those elected officials who've imposed this toll on all of us, or to bring in new leaders who will do the right thing.


Brian Medeiros

VAST Coordinator