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In Case You Missed It! "Tolls would never come down"

03/09/09 · 4:04 pm :: posted by CCToday     

Double the Tolls and Raise the Gas Tax too
All this with $8 to $10 Billion in Federal Bailout headed to States

By Christy Mihos

More tolls and taxes, but no cuts in operating expenses, certainly no reforms, but let's just keep on spending. Anyone wonder why our great Commonwealth is in a bit of a bind these days?

The Turnpike Authority also sits with $571 million in cash and current assets.

The logic expressed above are the words and deeds of one James Aloisi, Governor Deval Patrick's appointed Secretary of Transportation and Construction who also serves as Chairman of the Mass Turnpike Authority.

More tolls from a fellow who saw his agency hike tolls last year as prescribed by the Big Dig Finance Plan to adequately service the Big Dig debt service. The Turnpike Authority also sits with $571 million in cash and current assets, ie, treasuries, investments, bonds etc.

Not to worry, he's behind a doubling of the Tolls notwithstanding, to raise another $140 million. And if that don't beat all, he and his henchmen from the Business Special Interests want to hike the GAS TAX by 25 cents per gallon to further bring in over $800 million more in gas ax revenues, PLUS have the gas tax subject to the Consumer Price Increase - annually.


None of these characters has heard the news that the Federal Government will be sending our Commonwealth about $8 to $10 Billion in Federal Bailout for the States.

Evidently, none of these characters has heard the news that the Federal Government will be sending our Commonwealth about $8 to $10 Billion in Federal Bailout for the States.

Killing Tourism

Oh well, living here on the Cape, and knowing how vital the Tourism Industry is to all of us, yes, all of us, from Cape Cod to The Berkshires. Can you imagine what signal it sends to prospective vacationers when they know that our state boasts the possibility of the highest gas tax in the country.

NUMBER 1 again!

So folks how does this happen. Well back in 2005, Governor Romney and the Legislature convened a commission called the Massachusetts Transportation Finance Commission who's findings after about two years was that the Commonwealth will need $19 Billion over the next $20 years to maintain our current roads and bridges.

Ring a bell? It should. That's where all this cacophony is coming from.

You see, Aloisi and every transportation special interests group had a place at the table and they developed these numbers.

You weren't at the table were you? Just the lobbyists, lawyers, contractors and former legislative transportation members.

Anyone ever hear the old adage - "Garbage In, Garbage Out" ??????

Christy Mihos, who lives in Yarmouth, is a candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 2010. Read his previous Op Ed "Christy's Stimulus Plan for Massachusetts" here.
He was an Independent candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 2006. He served as a member of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority from 1999 to 2004.

24 comments
Blog posts and comments are entirely the thoughts and ideas of the people who write them and in no way represent the views of CapeCodToday.com, eCape, Inc., or its employees or owners.

03/09/09 @ 5:18 pm
think4urself [Member] writes:
Tag line on this OpEd says "Christy Mihos, who lives in Yarmouth, is an Independent candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 2010"

Is this true? Have your declared? Where do we sign up?
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/09/09 @ 5:24 pm
numah [Member] writes:
Go for it, Christy, Devalued has no business being there.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/09/09 @ 6:06 pm
Bob W. [Member] writes:
Let's hear it for Christy! Finally, a voice of common sense for the Commonwealth.

You've got my vote for 2010.

Now, if we could only send enough butt/head extractor ointment to Boston, so those currently in power can finally see the light of day, we'll be a few steps forward.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/09/09 @ 6:12 pm
Shecky [Member] writes:
It's time to re-run the "Heads Up" YouTube from '06:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT9Xp0P9eOo
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/09/09 @ 7:16 pm
lenny [Member] writes:
Aloisi is a washed up liar, who has lost his fastball. Picing this guy was a major blunder for Deval. Check out the easy-to-find video proof of Jimmy's recent ham-handed lying:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a9pbATOsRQ
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/09/09 @ 8:03 pm
christy [Member] writes:
actually, have not declared, picked a party or a way to run, but hopefully we get there to make the run. my Home State is in real trouble---it hurts to watch this ugliness each and every day. Thank you for your encouraging comments......we'll get there.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/09/09 @ 10:12 pm
Buzz [Member] writes:
Word on the street tonight is a sales tax hike may be in the works as well. I know how difficult this may be for some of you to digest, but please people.... think of the potholes. We need to fill them.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/09/09 @ 11:11 pm
cw rice [Member] writes:
This is all part of the play book, float a high number (gas tax, sales tax, utility tax and increased items to be taxed) out there coupled with toll hikes, additional unfunded mandates. Than when the real numbers comes out at a lower number we all think we got a good deal. Christy can tell you its old trick in retail raise the prices so your can cut them later and we all think we got a deal. When 'your' governor gets back from his vacation overseas, its like the snake oil salesman has come to visit us, his only hope is that he can get out of here before his 'followers' figure it all out.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/09/09 @ 11:13 pm
cw rice [Member] writes:
Christy, you may have already answered this at some point but... where do you stand on the so called 'racasinos' slots at the racing tracks? I know you stores sell lottery both the former now Hess owned and the ones you still have and are permitting.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/09/09 @ 11:40 pm
christy [Member] writes:
In 2006 it was an issue and I was for it to save the 5000 jobs at the four tracks. Saw a statistic last week that the gaming industry has lost billions last year. There are major layoffs in the two CT. casinos and the new casino in RI is on life support. there is no easy fix these days.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/10/09 @ 6:18 am
possee [Member] writes:
Christy

Making the public aware of the shenanigans emboldens the Golden Dome
(aka extended Winter Hill Gang) further.

Keep it up!
History tells us, and proves beyond doubt, that the more the majority demand accountability, lowered taxes, majority approved referendums, etc.. the quicker they react to raise taxes, fees,ignore our will, and increase corruption...

Beacon Hill is expedient on proactive reactions!

Perhaps stealth in the cover of darkness is our only recourse..
Sort of the same techniques employed by them..

What say you?

possee
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/10/09 @ 7:13 am
crusader [Member] writes:
Hey poss,

When is the next Boston tea party? Since the decline in property values, we should demand rebates on taxes & home ins. I'll be sure not to hold my breath.They should implement job freeze & salary freeze on the state payroll making 60k up, get rid of the bums on phoney disabilities, prosecute their lazy @ss, cut dead wood, retire them at 65, no more double pensions that Cellucci signed off. Too much waste, cushy jobs for friends all at the taxpayers fiscal demise. The fleecing never stops with changing of the guards, just different players who win & lose depending on which team is in power. I think it was fair & balanced when the Italians were running things. At least they didn't drink, or mismanage. So are the former gov's going to pardon your local boy in Eastham, who loves the FD, rogues & bad boys in the MSP? "the gov & I are gonna take HC for a ride, 3 will leave, only 2 will come back, & the staties ain't gonna say nothin' cause they are the good guys"! Welcome to corrupt-a-chusetts! Land of the penniless taxpayer, home of the political cowardly, lavish jobs at a moral cost, how utterly repulsive.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/10/09 @ 8:28 am
Democrant [Member] writes:
Deval has henchmen! Who knew, lol. It's easy to say no to this and no to that, without actually proposing comprehensive solutions to the significant issues of a crumbling infrastructure and and an economic recession the likes of which has not hit this country in this generation, at least. There is absolutely room at the table for someone of any political persuasion to be a reformer, it's desperately needed here. This ain't it.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/10/09 @ 9:09 am
Buzz [Member] writes:
Dem says: "without actually proposing comprehensive solutions to the significant issues of a crumbling infrastructure"

It seems the reason we're in this tax mess is to pay off the obnoxious cost overruns of the "Big Dig". You know, the project that was estimated at 2.8 billion and by the time its done will rise to over 22 billion with interest. It won't be paid off until 2038.

So what's Deval done to ensure the fixing of the "crumbling" infrastructure won't be more little big digs? Where's the federal, state, excise, sales tax that we're paying now going? It suppose to fix our roads and bridges..... more, more, more.

How about less, less, less.......government.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/10/09 @ 9:56 am
ptownbob [Member] writes:
I still like the crazy scheme of charging tolls to cross the Sag and Bourne bridges. The idea is to have a camera take a photo of your license plate, some bureaucrat would analyze the photo and ask the Idaho (or whatever) vehicle registry who owns the car, then mail out a bill. If the the owner doesn't pay it, they'll presumably ask his home state to enforce it somehow. Of course, there will have to be an appeal mechanism for those who dispute the bill. The toll is $1; the processing will cost $3 at a minimum; and the tourist-hostile experience will drive wallets elsewhere. Excellent idea, worthy of Cape Cod politicians. Now, let's turn to public education...
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/10/09 @ 11:00 am
crusader [Member] writes:
Subterranean Homesick Blues(BDylan)Johnny's in the basement--
Mixing up the medicine, I'm on the pavement, Thinking about the government
The man in the trench coat, Badge out, laid off, Says he's got a bad cough
Wants to get it paid off, Look out kid
It's somethin' you did, God knows when
But you're doin' it again...Maggie comes fleet foot, Face full of black soot, Talkin' that the heat put, Plants in the bed but, The phone's tapped anyway, Maggie says that many say, They must bust in early May, Orders from the D. A., Look out kid, Don't matter what you did, Walk on your tip toes, Don't try "No Doz", Better stay away from those, That carry around a fire hose...
But users, cheaters, Six-time losers, Hang around the theaters, Girl by the whirlpool, Lookin' for a new fool
Don't follow leaders, Watch the parkin' meters...

Don't steal, don't lift
Twenty years of schoolin'
And they put you on the day shift
Look out kid
They keep it all hid
Better jump down a manhole
Light yourself a candle
Don't wear sandals
avoid the scandals..pump don't work 'Cause the vandals took the handles.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/10/09 @ 11:03 am
crusader [Member] writes:
Ya Bob,

Just don't forget to charge the locals the same fare--oh! I forgot, most don't travel over the bridge anyway. Maybe put in an atm machine that way the tourist can swipe and hike. Install that room tax to those who rent their homes over the summer, see how long it lasts.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/10/09 @ 11:49 am
christy [Member] writes:
Democrant is at it again. The solutions are right before your eyes. let see what they do with selling the service plazas and terminating tolling for all west of 128--take a look at the Massachusetts Transportation Finance Commission who came up with the study that we need to spend $19 billion over the next 20 years to just stay even with the quality that the transportation
reps and senators, contractors and their lawfirms and lobbyists desire. any of those names look familiar?
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/10/09 @ 11:14 pm
gonzo [Member] writes:
Christy...I'm not happy to think this way,but you better run as a democrat. The idiot voters continue to send democrats to WDC, and state government.
i.e. Kennedy,Kerry continue to feed at the tax trough after decades.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/11/09 @ 8:18 am
christy [Member] writes:
some have been suggesting that--get in early and close to the Gov. and fight it out at the primary. who knows?
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/11/09 @ 8:21 pm
charlie [Member] writes:
The steady drip drip drip of new tax proposals threatens to destroy the foundation of the Commonwealth much like a leak in a pipe eventually bursts to show the larger problem it has become. Well the pipe is now bursting and we are all getting soaked.

Lots of focus has been given to benefits, pensions, etc. we really need to focus on the largest items in the budget to effect real change. Those items can be classified as "entitlements".

Many will claim that to cut entitlements is to be mean spirited and hurtful to those needing a helping hand to that I have 2 comments. First a helping hand is different from a way of life and it is time that all recipients understand the difference. Second, we are providing benefits to people who are in the country illegally. Putting our heads in the sand rather than facing it head on will only result in bigger issues and costs later.

I also agree that we need to reform the pension and benefits received by public "servants" but it should be part of a larger effort to reform all entitlements (Yes I am calling pensions an entitlement).
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/11/09 @ 8:26 pm
charlie [Member] writes:
It is time that we take back Our Government that is spending Our money and mortgaging Our future and that of our children.

If we do not act by electing those who have first and foremost common sense, we have no one but ourselves to blame.

To this end I have a simple question to ask every candidate for office - what job have you held in the last 10 years (pick any period you wish)? If the answer is legislator then I would recommend voting against them. Let's put some people in office who understand what it is like to run a business, manage a budget, manage expenses and has seen more than Beacon Hill.

Christy as Governor is great place to start, but let's not stop there. He will need help and friends on the Hill, in the streets and around the Commonwealth. Let's send him with his own army of common sense individuals.
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/11/09 @ 8:40 pm
possee [Member] writes:
Charlie

Finally a commenter with common sense with no political bias..
Too many here are blinded and clouded by party lines.

Keep on commenting!
It's about time for common sense and leave the politics aside..
thank you..

possee
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
03/11/09 @ 8:52 pm
possee [Member] writes:
Charlie

And be ready for a barrage of snippets from the peanut gallery accusing you of being a GOP/FOX stooge.
It's their way of expressing anger when common sense and facts enter into the equasion and arena of ideas.

If it doesn't fit in their mold..
oh well..
Being an independent thinker is an abomination here..
Especially when you are not a GOP stalwart or admirer of either party.

possee
 [ Show all comments by this user ]
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oped3An op-ed is a piece of writing, expressing an opinion. The name originated from the tradition of newspapers placing each columns on the page opposite to the editorial page. Thus the term "op-ed" is simply a combination of "opposite" and "editorial." The difference with this one, however, is that you can reply immediately by commenting below.
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