JUDGE DECLARES LAWSUIT TO RECOVER COSTS FROM SHORT-LIVED TOLLS "MOOT"

The judge in the legal case brought to eliminate Sakonnet tolls, and recover costs connected to the fight, has declared the case "moot" since the tolls have been eliminated (link below).

Unless there is an appeal of the judge's ruling that the case is now moot, this should be the final chapter in the legal case over Sakonnet River Bride Tolls. Hopefully we can soon see the structures installed to collect tolls removed as well.

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20141204/NEWS/141208053

http://www.providencejournal.com/news/courts/20141204-judge-says-lawsuit-over-sakonnet-tolls-is-moot.ece

TOLL EQUIPMENT REMOVED, RITBA LOOKS TO REUSE AND/OR SELL IT

Hopefully, the removal of the toll-equipment is the final chapter in this long-running comedy of errors.

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140624-ri-bridge-authority-looks-to-reuse-sell-sakonnet-toll-equipment.ece

SAKONNET TOLL EQUIPMENT SHUT DOWN FOR GOOD

It feels good to again be able to cross the Sakonnet River Bridge without that rising sense of anger and frustration about the toll.

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140619/NEWS/140615387

PROJO: "CHAFEE ORDERS TOLLS TO END ON SAKONNET BRIDGE BY NOON FRIDAY"

This glorious headline has been the goal during the frustrating two-year battle against Sakonnet tolls. Despite widespread opposition to tolls by East Bay businesses, citizens, and elected officials, and the countless reasons they's be destructive and unfair and self-defeating financially, it took a prolonged, unified effort by individuals and groups of all political persuasions to bring about the right result. 

And that should be the lesson of this drama: OUR government WILL serve US when people are active, informed and united. And a good idea will be enacted, or a bad one reversed, if a majority wants it so and is determined to make it happen.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/news/government/20140619-chafee-orders-tolls-to-end-on-sakonnet-bridge-by-noon-friday.ece

IT'S OFFICIAL! GOVERNOR SIGNS BUDGET, & SAKONNET TOLLS ARE HISTORY!

AND RI HAS A TRANSPORTATION-FUNDING PROGRAM AS WELL! (link below)


Congratulations and thanks to all who played a part in bringing this very bad idea to an end. This includes the citizen groups and individuals who doggedly fought this fight, and our local Reps & Senators who made sure our voices were heard by State leadership. 

Special thanks Rep Jay Edwards, Sen Chris Ottiano, & Sen Lou DiPalma for crafting the transportation-funding bill that made this result possible, and brought some good out of a bad situation.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140619-chafee-signs-8.7-billion-budget-into-law.ece

SENATE PASSES BUDGET, GOVERNOR SAYS HE'LL SIGN IT

Sakonnet tolls are about to be eliminated. As expected, the Senate passed the budget, and Governor Chafee issued a statement saying he'll sign it (link below). After the last-minute changes a year ago, it may be best to wait until the budget is actually signed to declare victory. But this long, hard-fought effort against a very bad idea, a destructive and unfair toll, appears to be over. 

Thanks to all the citizens, groups and especially our local Reps and Senators for their unfailing effort to right this wrong.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/politics/content/20140616-r.i.-senate-approves-new-8.7-billion-state-budget.ece

SENATE VOTES TONIGHT ON BUDGET, INCLUDING SAKONNET TOLL ELIMINATION

Final Senate approval of the House's budget is expected to come tonight (see link). If Senate Finance and the full Senate pass the House's budget as expected, it heads to the Governor to be signed into law, vetoed (with a veto override likely), or to become law without any action by the Governor.

http://www.providencejournal.com/politics/content/20140616-ri-lawmakers-poised-for-final-budget-votes-final-week-of-2014-session.ece

BUDGET PASSES HOUSE OVERWHELMINGLY

The Budget including the infrastructure-funding plan passed the House overwhelmingly (see link below). Now on to the Senate...

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/full-ri-house-passes-budget-plan-that-eliminates-bridge-tolls/

BUDGET PLAN WITH INFRASTRUCTURE-FUNDING & TOLL ELIMINATION HEADS FOR SENATE APPROVAL

With the House having overwhelmingly passed the budget, and the Senate poised to do the same, the years-long Sakonnet tolls saga seems to be nearing an end (link below). 

The fact that this toll-collection equipment was purchased and installed before the issue was resolved, and is now to become just a phenomenal waste of money, is the perfect metaphor for a bad idea that never should have gotten to this point. 

Hopefully this infrastructure-funding process proposed and brought to fruition through the dogged efforts of our East Bay Representatives & Senators is the start of a new approach at the State House, and the silver lining in a very dark cloud that's been hanging over the East Bay.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140612-banning-tolls-on-sakonnet-river-bridge-raises-questions-about-what-happens-next.ece

STATE BUDGET INCLUDING SAKONNET TOLL REMOVAL & INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING HEADS TOWARDS PASSAGE

The House approved the proposed Budget 62-11 tonight, including the infrastructure funding / Sakonnet toll-elimination provisions. Now it goes to the Senate for approval, and if approved, to the Governor for his signature, veto, or no action (which would allow it to become law without his signature). (link below)

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140612/NEWS/140618137

PROJO: INFRASTRUCTURE-FUNDING / TOLL-ELIMINATION PROVISION IN BUDGET SEEMS TO BE POPULAR WITH HOUSE MEMBERS

The good news, according to this ProJo article (link below), is that the provision for infrastructure-funding that includes elimination of Sakonnet tolls seems to be popular among House members. 

The momentum seems to be behind getting this done, but it won't be time to celebrate until the budget containing the infrastructure-funding/toll-elimination provision passes into law.

Brian  Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140610-r.i.-house-members-question-effect-of-budget-on-social-services-increased-marketing-budget-for-twin-river.ece

HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVES BUDGET PLAN THAT INCLUDES SAKONNET TOLL ELIMINATION

Last night's 14-2 vote in the House Finance Committee to approve the Budget plan, which includes the infrastructure-funding provision that eliminates Sakonnet Bridge tolls, is another positive step on the road to eliminating these destructive tolls. 

With both the House and Senate leadership on board, it would seem the last possible obstacle is Governor Chafee. Supporters of eliminating the toll are encouraged to call and email the Governor's office to express support for this provision in the Budget plan.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140605-r.i.-house-finance-committee-quickly-oks-proposed-8.7-billion-state-budget.ece

RI BUDGET PLAN INCLUDES DETAILS OF INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING, SAKONNET-TOLL ELIMINATION

While not yet final, this is a huge step forward towards eliminating destructive Sakonnet tolls and setting up Statewide infrastructure funding. 

Great job by our East Bay Representatives and Senators in fighting this long battle, especially Rep. Jay Edwards, Sen. Chris Ottiano, and Sen. Lou DiPalma for their work on the infrastructure-funding plan.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140605-legislators-state-budget-plan-would-create-28-million-fund-to-pay-for-road-and-bridge-maintenance.ece

RITBA SPENT $5 MILLION ON SAKONNET TOLL OVERHEAD BEFORE TOLL-ELIMINATION EFFORTS PLAYED OUT

Anyone wondering why RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority was is such dire financial straits that they needed Sakonnet tolls to subsidize their operations need only consider this debacle (link below).

There were bills to eliminate the tolls in the General Assembly, a lawsuit that could have them declared illegal, and widespread opposition that made tolls unlikely to last. Yet RITBA chose to ignore all these cautions and spent $5 million on the hope it'd work out. 

Even if RITBA had their planned tolls, little of the money would go to Sakonnet maintenance, and huge sums would go to overhead. And surely the economic damage in the East Bay, and lost State revenue, would outweigh whatever funds were raised. Did this really make sense to anyone?

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140605-plan-nixes-sakonnet-toll-after-millions-spent.ece

FULL SENATE VOTE ON TOLL/FUNDING BILL DELAYED AGAIN TO ALLOW MORE TIME TO WORK OUT DETAILS

Hopefully the delay in the Senate vote is a sign that all parties are committed to working out a deal that finally ends this Sakonnet toll debacle, and also sets up Statewide infrastructure funding (link below).

We should continue to support our local Reps and Senators as they work to make this happen, and make clear to those not yet on board that this issue won't go away until the toll is gone.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140514-r.i.-senate-house-working-on-proposal-to-finance-statewide-transportation-repairs.ece

SENATE POSTPONES VOTE ON TRANSPORTATION BILL TO WORK OUT AGREEMENT ON LANGUAGE

It's disappointing that the full Senate vote has been postponed, but hopefully the Senate, House and Governor's office can agree on language ASAP. It's time to put this toll issue behind us, and finally set up reliable infrastructure funding as well.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140507-senate-expected-to-postpone-discussion-of-bill-to-remove-sakonnet-bridge-toll.ece

SENATE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL TO FUND INFRASTRUCTURE, ELIMINATE SAKONNET TOLLS

Great news (links below). It's just a first step, but the unanimous vote is encouraging as the bill moves forward. Our local Reps & Senators have clearly done an excellent job of crafting and promoting legislation that not only eliminates Sakonnet tolls, but addresses a Statewide need. 

Sakonnet Tolls are not gone yet. We saw last year how a seemingly done-deal can be undone at the last minute. It's crucial for all who care about eliminating these destructive tolls, and creating a reliable transportation-funding system, to make sure this bill makes it over the finish line.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140506/NEWS/140507542

http://wpri.com/2014/05/06/senate-committee-votes-to-remove-sakonnet-tolls/

SENATE FINANCE CMTE HEARS TRANSPORTATION-FUNDING/SAKONNET-TOLL ELIMINATION BILL

Hopefully tomorrow's Senate Finance Cmte hearing is the start of the final act of this Sakonnet tolls drama (link below). If working to do the common-sense thing of eliminating these tolls also results in a sustainable Statewide system of transportation-infrastructure funding, then at least some good will have come out of this unnecessary, unfair, unwise ordeal.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/senate-panel-considers-bridge-funding-bill-tuesday/

TOLL OPPOSITION IS BASED ON FACTS, NOT "HYSTERIA"

An excellent response (link below) to a letter trying to paint opposition to Sakonnet tolls as "hysteria". The reality is that logic, the facts, most (if not all) candidates for Governor, and public opinion (per a Statewide poll showing widespread opposition) are on the side of those who oppose these tolls, and also support a Statewide infrastructure funding program. The only "hysteria" is from those who are pushing tolls for self-serving purposes, or those who don't understand the facts.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.eastbayri.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/letter-opposition-to-sakonnet-bridge-toll-is-not-hysteria/

REP. DENNIS CANARIO (PORTSMOUTH/TIVERTON) NAMED DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER IN RI HOUSE

Congratulations to Representative Dennis Canario (Portsmouth/Tiverton) on being appointed a Deputy Majority Leader in the RI House of Representatives (link below). It's great for the East Bay to have another East Bay member of the General Assembly in a leadership position, especially someone who is such an ardent opponent of Sakonnet Bridge tolls.

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/government-politics/rep-canario-named-deputy-majority-leader/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

GOV. CANDIDATE GINA RAIMONDO VOICES OPPOSITION TO SAKONNET TOLLS

Democrat candidate for Governor (and current RI General Treasurer) Gina Raimondo expresses her opposition to Sakonnet tolls (link below). Most announced Democrat & Republican candidates for Governor (not sure if Pell has taken a stance yet) have come out against Sakonnet tolls. 

It will be difficult for any candidate in upcoming primaries who doesn't oppose tolls to explain to voters how he/she supports tourism while also supporting one of the biggest hindrances to it. And since the next Governor will almost certainly be someone opposing tolls, it's added incentive for the General Assembly to eliminate the tolls now. 

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/on-bristol-waterfront-raimondo-lays-out-tourism-plan/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

RI TURNPIKE & BRIDGE AUTHORITY'S AGENDA IS NOT IN RHODE ISLAND'S BEST INTEREST

The words and actions of RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority should leave no one in doubt that the agenda of this quasi-public agency is considerably different from that of most Rhode Islanders.

Legislation that would create reliable Statewide transportation funding has been presented to the General Assembly. This would not only provide a long-overdue funding system for maintaining infrastructure, but would do so with mostly existing State-funds, without imposing new taxes or economy-harming tolls. While most can see the wisdom and necessity of this system (every area newspaper has endorsed the legislation), RITBA's perspective is very different.

RITBA has threatened to "return" the Sakonnet Bridge to the RIDOT if they are denied Sakonnet toll revenue (see link). This is curious, since if the legislation is approved, RITBA will become a part of RIDOT, with responsibility for only Newport's Pell Bridge. They've also threatened the jack up Pell Bridge tolls. This is also interesting, since they've claimed Sakonnet tolls are needed for maintenance of all four bridges currently under their control. Yet, if maintenance on the other three (Sakonnet, Mt. Hope, Jamestown) transfers to the new funding system, RITBA still says it will need MORE revenue from the Pell. This shows clearly that RITBA's financial shortfalls come from it's own financial decisions and not the "burden" of the other three bridges.

The irony is that although RITBA has been claiming that Sakonnet tolls are needed to fund maintenance on that bridge, the funds from the 10-cent tolls have NOT been used to maintain the new bridge, which RIDOT has been maintaining. Clearly, RITBA has already-existing financial problems, and is looking to tolls-revenue as an open-ended means to a taxpayer-bailout of their troubled operations, not the best means of maintaining infrastructure without harming the economy.

Although Sakonnet toll opposition has been persistent and widespread, RITBA has been operating in a alternative universe. A year ago, despite bills in the General Assembly to abolish tolls, and a pending lawsuit to overturn them, RITBA spent millions of dollars constructing the toll-equipment. It appeared at best to be an effort to force their will on our elected officials, at worst an irresponsibly premature decision that will further harm their troubled finances when tolls are eliminated. Like the expenses incurred with the construction of their new facility in Jamestown, it's the kind of decision that breeds resentment in Rhode Islanders being told we must bail RITBA out from their own bad decisions.

At a recent hearing on the transportation-funding bill, the director of RIDOT opposed the bill because although his department would receive all the funds it would need to maintain infrastructure, the funds would not come mostly from existing funds and not "new revenue".  It's worth noting that the RIDOT director is a member the RITBA Board of Directors, and he acknowledged at a later hearing that this legislation would take RI from "worst to first" in infrastructure. Clearly, RITBA's primary concern is not having sufficient funds to maintain infrastructure, but acquiring the ability to toll their way out of a financial hole.

By supporting the current legislation, State leaders can finally create a Statewide system of transportation-maintenance, without the economic destructiveness of Sakonnet tolls. It's time for everyone in the State, including RITBA and RIDOT, to put the well-being of all Rhode Islanders above personal agendas.

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140319/NEWS/140315705/1994/NEWS

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

NEW HOUSE LEADERSHIP HAS OPPORTUNITY TO SOLVE TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS AT ONCE

The fact that the new leadership team in the RI House of Representatives features two East Bay members (see link below) can only be a positive for the effort to eliminate tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge. Having Rep. Jay Edwards (Tiverton/Portsmouth) as the Majority Whip and Rep. Ray Gallison (Bristol/Portsmouth) as the Chair of the Finance Committee should give the major concerns of East Bay residents and businesses a clear voice in discussions as the effort to eliminate the tolls moves forward.

The new House leadership has a unique opportunity to solve two enormous problems at once. By enacting the Statewide transportation-funding bill crafted by East Bay legislators, State leaders can both finally put a reliable infrastructure-maintenance process in place (mostly without new taxes or fees), and also eliminate the wildly-unpopular, economy-destroying Sakonnet tolls. If they fail to act, neither issue is going away. Even RIDOT had to acknowledge that the funds generated would take the State's infrastructure from worst to first in the nation. And given that most (if not all) candidates for Governor oppose Sakonnet tolls, and opposition in the East Bay will only grow more vocal, Sakonnet tolls will not stand.

It's rare that such an opportunity is available to political leaders. There are two possible outcomes. One scenario is that State leadership approves the transportation-funding bill, and are hailed for both stepping up to address infrastructure needs and preventing the economic-disaster tolls would create. The alternative is that State leadership fails to take this opportunity to address infrastructure needs, the tolls continue and increase, and the battle on both fronts gets more heated and complicated.

The new leadership has rightfully called the economy and jobs their top priority. Passing the transportation bill will support this goal by improving our failing roads and bridges, as well as stopping the economic damage (and lost tax revenue) resulting from tolls. It's a historic opportunity that the voters of Rhode Island should push their elected officials to take, and not push these problems further down the road.

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140327/NEWS/140326396

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

REP. JAY EDWARDS NAMED HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP, REP. RAY GALLISON NAMED FINANCE CMTE CHAIR

Congratulations to Rep. Jay Edwards (Dist. 70: Tiverton/Portsmouth) on becoming the House Majority Whip, and Rep. Ray Gallison (Dist. 69: Bristol/Portsmouth) on becoming the Finance Committee Chair (links below). It's great to have the East Bay represented in leadership, especially at this crucial time as the Transportation Funding / Sakonnet Toll-eliminating bill is under consideration.

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/government-politics/rep-edwards-is-new-house-majority-whip/

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/rep-gallison-expected-to-be-named-house-finance-committee-chairman/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

SAKONNET TOLLS AREN'T ABOUT MAINTENANCE, BUT ABOUT BAILING OUT RITBA

The Statewide transportation-funding proposal carefully created by East Bay legislators balances a number of concerns: it creates a reliable Statewide transportation funding system, it does so with mostly existing funds, and it does so without imposing new, economy-crushing tolls. RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority own words demonstrate that their primary concern isn't what the people or their representatives want, or what's best for the State, but receiving a taxpayer-funded bailout of their operations through tolls.

Rather than take responsibility for their financial situation and examine their own operations, RITBA is determined to force tolls to cover their shortfalls. Never mind that their efforts to kill the transportation-funding bill (see link below) will also kill the best chance for the State to finally create a transportation-funding system, the lack of which is why the infrastructure is in such bad shape in the first place.

The fact is that the proposed system would assure funds for proper maintenance without tolls. And most of the money collected on Sakonnet tolls would NOT be for maintenance of that bridge, but to bolster RITBA's operations elsewhere. RI legislators' focus needs to be on what's best for the people of RI, not RITBA's desire to balance it's books on the backs of taxpayers.

http://www.providencejournal.com/business/content/20140318-ri-turnpike-and-bridge-authority-threatens-to-give-sakonnet-river-bridge-back-to-state-if-higher-tolls-not-approved-april-1.ece

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

A DECADE OF THE SAKONNET TOLLS RUNAROUND

Some don't realize that the East Bay went through an extensive effort to stop tolls on the new Sakonnet Bridge a decade ago, and we were given ironclad assurances by State officials that there would be no tolls. The current administration decided to simply disregard those assurances, and the extensive work done in rejecting tolls. This senseless runaround the East Bay has faced since tolls were dredged back up 2 years ago (see link to article below) reinforces the negative perceptions many have about government: can we trust anything we're told by OUR state government?

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/government-politics/portsmouth-seeks-congressmens-help-over-tolls/

Brian Medeiros

Tiverton, RI

HOW MANY MILLIONS IN STATE REVENUE FROM NEWPORT GRAND WILL TOLLS COST RI?

Of the many economic downsides to the Sakonnet Bridge Toll, one of the starkest is the effect of tolls on Newport Grand. The State of RI derives millions of dollars in revenue from Newport Grand, much of it from patrons who travel across this bridge to get there. While no one can predict the exact hit Newport Grand will take, it's common sense to expect that potential patrons will be less likely to make the trip if they have to pay a toll (about $8 without an EZ-pass).

Potential Newport Grand customers to the south already have to pay tolls to cross the Newport Bridge to get there, leading many to instead visit the Connecticut casinos.With a new casino proposed for Fall River (link to story below), how many patrons from north of Aquidneck Island will pay a toll to travel to Newport when they can visit Fall River's casino without one?

From a simple economic standpoint, does it make any sense for State lawmakers to impose a toll that not only will hurt East Bay businesses and residents, but will contribute to the loss of millions in State revenue? Tolls on the Sakonnet Bridge are not only unfair and destructive to the East Bay, but are about as short-sighted and self-destructive an action as State government could implement, costing the State more than tolls could ever bring in. Any legislator supporting tolls should be prepared to explain how the State will replace the revenue lost from Newport Grand, not to mention lost tax revenue from East Bay businesses.

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140313/NEWS/140317825/?tag=3

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

HERALD NEWS EDITORIAL IN SUPPORT OF TRANSPORTATION-FUNDING BILL THAT WILL ELIMINATE SAKONNET TOLLS

A thoughtful Herald News editorial in support of the Statewide transportation-funding bill that will also eliminate Sakonnet Bridge tolls.

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140212/OPINION/140218493/0/SEARCH/?tag=2

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

OVERVIEW OF STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING / TOLL ELIMINATION BILL

This bill uses mostly existing state funding sources to create a reliable Statewide transportation funding system. It makes the economy-crushing and unfair (and possibly illegal, per testimony in the pending lawsuit) Sakonnet tolls unnecessary. It addresses the State's long-term maintenance issues without the collateral damage of tolls. What possible rationale is left for any elected official to reject this plan in favor of tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge?

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/bridge-bill-aims-to-knock-toll-off-the-table/

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140212-bills-would-raise-money-for-roads-and-bridges-abolish-sakonnet-river-toll.ece

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

BILL PRESENTED TO EXTEND SAKONNET "PLACEHOLDER" TOLL UNTIL TRANSPORTATION-FUNDING PLAN IS DECIDED

The first deadline in the process to eliminate tolls and implement a Statewide transportation-funding system is April 1. Unless legislation extending the "placeholder" 10-cent tolls is passed by then, RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority could implement their full toll scheme. 

With the transportation funding bill to be considered as part of the budget process in June, and a lawsuit that could also eliminate tolls still pending, it'd be irresponsible to not extend the "placeholder" period a few months until the process is completed. (link to Herald News article below)

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140303/NEWS/140309155

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

SAKONNET TIMES EDITORIAL: GOVERNOR'S DOUBLE-STANDARD ON TOLLS

An excellent editorial detailing the hypocrisy of those pushing Sakonnet Tolls as a fiscal necessity while refusing to use the same standard on any other bridge or transportation project in RI, or any other area of the State's operations.

http://www.eastbayri.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-debt-double-standard/

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

PLAN PRESENTED TO ELIMINATE SAKONNET TOLL, FUND RI BRIDGE MAINTENANCE

This comprehensive plan crafted by East Bay legislators eliminates the rationale for tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge, while also creating a responsible system to fund bridge maintenance across the State. Except for those with a vested interest in using economy-harming tolls as an unlimited "revenue stream" to fund redundant agencies, it's hard to see how any elected official can now justify defying the will of the people and reject this plan.

This plan gives our State officials an opportunity to not only eliminate an unpopular and destructive "tax", but to also meet a longstanding goal of creating a fair, sustainable means of maintaining our bridges. And it's an opportunity for all who oppose tolls and support responsible bridge-maintenance to let elected officials and candidates alike know that their stance on this issue will be remembered in 2014 and beyond.

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140211/NEWS/140218937

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

VAST WELCOMES YOUR VIEWS / COMMENTS

Add your views, comments and questions to the VAST blog. To add a comment or question to a post, or to read comments already submitted, click on that headline for that post, and follow on-screen instructions.

To submit a post to this blog or to become a regular contributor, send an email to: brianmedeiros@cox.net

You can also join in the effort and discussion at the VAST Facebook page (search: Voters Against Sakonnet Tolls).

TOLL ALTERNATIVES TO BE PRESENTED TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The Commission considering toll alternatives has ended, and there are now several options that the General Assembly can choose to responsibly & fairly fund bridge maintenance across the State, without destructive Sakonnet tolls.

It's up to those who oppose these tolls to make the political process work by letting State leaders, and 2014 candidates, know that there will be political consequences for those failing to stand up for East Bay residents & businesses.

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140127/NEWS/140126547

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

BRIDGE/TOLL COMMISSION CONCLUDES WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION

The Commission looking into the funding of bridge-maintenance, formed to explore a Statewide process without tolls on the Sakonnet Bridge, has concluded its work. It's offering findings, but couldn't agree on a recommendation. 

Not surprisingly, those with a vested interest in using East Bay drivers as an unlimited "revenue source" to bail out RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority's troubled finances had no interest in toll alternatives. Their argument amounts to, "We've mismanaged transportation funding to the point where we're looking at huge deficits, so let's use tolls on the Sakonnet Bridge as a means to bail us out." It's a view  that's unbelievably shortsighted, unfair, and destructive to East Bay residents and businesses.

Plans to eliminate Sakonnet tolls and fund bridge-maintenance fairly across RI are now being formulated by our local Reps & Senators, and a General Assembly vote on tolls is coming soon. Now is the time to be as loud and united in our opposition to Sakonnet tolls as possible, to let all elected officials and Statewide candidates know that we will make sure primary voters know who stood up for the people and businesses of the East Bay, and who stood for a taxpayer-bailout of RITBA that will crush the local economy and local residents.

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140115/NEWS/140119175/?tag=2


Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI