America’s transportation infrastructure, after decades of neglect, is crumbing at a rapid pace. I agree with the Governor that all options must be put on the table to improve its condition. However, I am very disappointed about the Adminstrations approach. Why has the Governor decided to exclude the Legislature from this process? Why haven’t the bids to lease been shared with the public? Will the bids, along with the company’s financial statements, every be made public? The Turnpike, as a public assest, is the property of the people; therefore, granting the them the final say in a lease. We cannont make an informed decision without full access to all necessary information.

Maybe I’m jumping the gun right now, and the Adminstration will open the bids and company financials to public inspection. The Legislature needs to pay close attention to this process, and when the time comes be ready to throughly review all aspects of a lease. Again, I’m not removing a lease from the table, I am merely requesting the information we all have a right to.

JM