Save Our Turnpike In The News

Star-Ledger Staff

The New Jersey Public Interest Research Group is mounting an online petition drive to urge Gov. Jon Corzine to sign a six-point pledge authored by the group to protect the public in any sale or lease of the state toll roads.

More than 1,000 people have signed the petition, PIRG spokeswoman Abigail Field said yesterday at a news conference in Edison.

"The stakes are just too high for the governor to remain so vague," Field said. "If you want us to trust you, you have to make a specific commitment."

She was joined by council members from Edison, Sayreville, Millburn and Woodbridge, who represent a few of the 15 towns and three counties that have passed resolutions opposing the sale or "monetization" of the New Jersey Turnpike.

Field said if Corzine signed the pledge he would promise not to sell the roads at a discount and assure the public that the state would retain control over transportation planning and management. The pledge demands transparency in the process by calling on Corzine to unveil the plans at least six months before they are finalized to allow for public input. PIRG also wants the state Legislature to have the right to vote on the measure.

Corzine has said he was exploring the possibility of selling, leasing or somehow privatizing the toll roads as a huge source of revenue for the state. But he has yet to submit his actual proposal.

In his latest comments on Monday, the governor said he would like to create a public benefit corporation with a tax exempt status. He said he envisioned: "A 'company' that operates with a bottom line mentality but the dividends go to the public."

For more information on the petition drive go to www.njpirg.org.

 

Diane C. Walsh may be reached at dwalsh@starledger.com or (732) 404-8087.