Senate Republican Leader Leonard Lance, R-23, issued the following statement in response to lawyers for Governor Corzine filing legal briefs today arguing that plans to sell New Jersey’s toll roads should be kept from the public despite the Governor indicating earlier this week that deal could go before the Legislature during the upcoming “lame duck” session:
“Since June, Republicans have insisted that the delay in putting the Governor’s plan before the public is a blatant political ploy. The Governor’s comments this week support our contention that the delay is intended to spare Democratic candidates from having to defend a tripling of the tolls.
Regardless of the IRS’ ruling on the tax issue, the Governor is going forward with his plan. His staff has drafted a proposal if the IRS rules favorably and a second proposal if the IRS rules unfavorably. He is obliged to put both proposals before the voters now.
My skepticism that the Democrats’ monetization plan will improve the state’s finances continues to grow. The Governor originally said the proceeds of the sale would be used to pay down state debt. Now he is talking about using the sale to fund new transportation, school construction and open space programs. While these programs may be admirable, using bond proceeds from the toll road sale to pay for them is hardly a sustainable fiscal policy.
The Governor’s words contradict his actions. He has pledged transparency but at every opportunity has thwarted releasing information to the public regarding his toll road proposal.
The Governor’s deeds demonstrate that political considerations drive budget decisions, which is how New Jersey got into its present fiscal predicament.”
Link to Post:
http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/lance/lame-duck-is-no-time-to-sell-the-turnpike/143
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