the bistro off broadway

Reaction to the Ohio Transportation Plan
Ohio Trucking Association 

COLUMBUS, OHIO, DECEMBER 13, 2012 -- Of all the possible scenarios regarding the future of the Ohio Turnpike that have been put forth in the past year, the Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) believes Governor Kasich has chosen the best one for all travelers in the state. 

"I'm gratified that as a trade association representing a major user of the turnpike, we have had many opportunities to voice our concerns with the Ohio Turnpike Commission, ODOT, KPMG, and the Governor's Office," said OTA President Larry Davis. "They listened to us and that means a lot." 

The association, which represents more than 900 trucking and supplier companies throughout the state, believes that the Ohio Turnpike is too great an asset to turn over to an outside company for lease or purchase. 

"We have a top-notch turnpike now with a stable and fairly predictable funding source," Davis said. "It makes more sense to leverage the value of what we already have to better our state's roads and bridges than to roll the dice on an outside operator who may not have the best interests of efficient transportation in mind." 

Davis added that the Ohio Trucking Association looks forward to working with all of the governmental entities involved in moving The Ohio Jobs and Transportation Plan from conception into reality. 

Portage County Auditor Janet Esposito 

"With two turnpike exits in our county, the turnpike is extremely important to us and we are very pleased with the governor's plan since it preserves the integrity of the turnpike while at the same time will boost economic development," said Portage County Auditor Janet Esposito. "The freeze on local tolls is a great benefit to our residents. I'm very pleased to see ODOT and the Turnpike Commission working together for local residents and all Ohioans." 

Fulton County Recorder and Ohio Turnpike Commission Member Sandy Barber 

"We're very excited about the governor's plan and I am personally very pleased about the partnership being forged by the Ohio Turnpike Commission and the Ohio Department of Transportation, which will benefit residents along the turnpike corridor and all Ohioans," said Fulton County Recorder Sandy Barber, who is also a member of the Ohio Turnpike Commission. "This plan is going to help create new jobs and I like that the funding will help maintain Ohio's transportation system as well as allow us to continue making improvements." 

Dan White, President, Norwalk Furniture 

"As a businessman very interested in economic development in the region and the entire state, I'm extremely pleased with the governor's plan," said Dan White, president of Norwalk Furniture. "Living near the turnpike I am very much aware of the essential  role it plays in this region. The decision to preserve the integrity of the turnpike while also coming up with an innovative way to fund other critical projects should be applauded." 

Glenn M. Broska, Mayor, The City of Streetsboro 

“I am very pleased with Governor Kasich’s recent decision concerning control of the Ohio Turnpike.  As the Mayor of the City of Streetsboro, a community that relies heavily on the Turnpike to bring jobs, commerce and people to the community, the health of the Turnpike is of paramount concern.  With control retained by the Turnpike Commission, we have guaranteed that our Turnpike will continue to be a safe, efficient, and well maintained highway. I also believe that the Governor’s decision will assist in our collective long term goal of recruiting strong business and more jobs to our State and local communities.  The Governor’s decision calls for use of toll revenues to enable Ohio to sell bonds to be used to improve Northern Ohio’s roadway system.  Improved roadways will make Ohio more attractive to business and industry.  And this in turn, will markedly increase local opportunity for jobs and commerce.” 

Phillip L. Parker, President & CEO, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce 

"I commend ODOT for identifying new revenue opportunities to advance statewide infrastructure projects. As the Dayton Chamber works closely with businesses in southwest Ohio on expansion and relocation opportunities, it is critical that we have an efficient highway system. ODOT has proven that they are committed to identifying new and innovative revenue generating opportunities for statewide projects that do not over burden the Ohio business community." 

Don Robart, Mayor, Cuyahoga Falls 

“The City of Cuyahoga Falls continues to pursue aggressive growth strategies with a strong vision for the future.  Our ideal location among a web of highways in NE Ohio plays a vital role in our growth strategy.  For this reason, I applaud Governor John Kasich’s plan for leveraging the Ohio Turnpike which will provide $1.5 billion to improve our aging transportation system and preserve our competitive advantage these highways provide.  His plan does this while keeping the Ohio Turnpike Commission intact, keeps tolls on the Turnpike amongst the lowest in the nation, keeps our local residents employed by the Commission, as well as rebuilds this important asset in the process.” 

Dave Gillock, Mayor, North Ridgeville 

“Many residents of North Ridgeville and northeast Ohioans were holding their breathe today to hear about the Governor’s long awaited plan for the future of the Ohio turnpike.  It’s a home run!  The Kasich Administration listened to our feedback and arrived at the right place on how to make best use of the Ohio Turnpike.  This will allow us to significantly accelerate a few local projects that have long been stalled on the ODOT schedule of projects.  I’m pleased that politics could be set aside to reach a cooperative agreement that will help move Ohio forward.”


 
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