Gabler Still Opposes I-80 Tolls
From Matt Gabler's office:
Friday's symposium on the possible tolling of Interstate 80 re-affirmed the opinion of state Rep.-elect Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) that enacting such a measure would have a definite negative impact on his district. The event was sponsored by the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation and the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry and held at Zion Baptist Church near Clarion.
Gabler released the following statement concerning Friday's symposium:
"Everyone agrees that Pennsylvania is facing big challenges with regard to our aging infrastructure. We have roadways that have been allowed to deteriorate due to neglect and the impact of increased volumes of traffic.
"We need to be better financial managers, especially in these difficult economic times and particularly with regard to our transportation needs. Having said that, Act 44, which calls for the tolling of I-80, is not the answer. We cannot borrow our way to prosperity, and we need to be more responsible in our spending habits. Tolling I-80 would also mean penalizing the communities that are adjacent to the interstate by diverting more traffic through them on to their already-stressed highways, and increasing costs for employers and residents.
"It has been my belief all along that placing tolls on I-80 would be detrimental to the residents of the 75th Legislative District. I applaud the open dialogue and exchange of ideas that ensued at Friday's symposium and look forward to continuing to work to find solutions acceptable to all parties in the discussion.
"More events like this one need to be held. I feel that Act 44 was passed hurriedly without significant constituent input, and hopefully additional public discourse will lead to the law's repeal."
Friday's symposium on the possible tolling of Interstate 80 re-affirmed the opinion of state Rep.-elect Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) that enacting such a measure would have a definite negative impact on his district. The event was sponsored by the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation and the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry and held at Zion Baptist Church near Clarion.
Gabler released the following statement concerning Friday's symposium:
"Everyone agrees that Pennsylvania is facing big challenges with regard to our aging infrastructure. We have roadways that have been allowed to deteriorate due to neglect and the impact of increased volumes of traffic.
"We need to be better financial managers, especially in these difficult economic times and particularly with regard to our transportation needs. Having said that, Act 44, which calls for the tolling of I-80, is not the answer. We cannot borrow our way to prosperity, and we need to be more responsible in our spending habits. Tolling I-80 would also mean penalizing the communities that are adjacent to the interstate by diverting more traffic through them on to their already-stressed highways, and increasing costs for employers and residents.
"It has been my belief all along that placing tolls on I-80 would be detrimental to the residents of the 75th Legislative District. I applaud the open dialogue and exchange of ideas that ensued at Friday's symposium and look forward to continuing to work to find solutions acceptable to all parties in the discussion.
"More events like this one need to be held. I feel that Act 44 was passed hurriedly without significant constituent input, and hopefully additional public discourse will lead to the law's repeal."
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