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