Gov. Rendell To Discuss I-80 In Press Conference

Rep. Joseph Markosek
The Times Leader is reporting that Governor Rendell has called a press conference for this afternoon on Interstate 80. He was looking for federal approval to collect $450 million from proposed tolls on I-80 to fund road improvements throughout the Commonwealth. He complicated those efforts with this announcement back in January that tolls would go to transit agencies all over the state while federal law limits applying collected tolls only to the I-80 corridor. He probably skipped that law class.

Take a look at the turnpike budget from 2008-2009 that posts actuals for 2007-2008. Net operating income was $347.9 million. Operating expenditures were $237.7 million. It seems that if the corrupt Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission were dismantled and tolls were modestly increased Rendell wouldn't have to apply to the feds for permission to toll. Imagine reducing the size of government including future pension payments and solving highway funding. It makes too much sense so forget it was suggested.

Let's hear from the western part of the state. WDUQ News is reporting that Democratic State Representative Joe Markosek of Monroeville, chair of the State House Transportation Committee, feels those opposed to tolling I-80 are wrong because 60% of the state's operating funds come from the 5 Philadelphia area counties and Allegheny County.

Markosek says those who are disappointed and "those who are perhaps euphoric" by the rejection need to work hand in hand to develop a sustainable funding mechanism for Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure system, and "most of the options are not pain-free

The Commonwealth is wasting taxpayer dollars on this website about Act 44.

The decision by the feds is the third rejection of proposed tolling of I-80. It is time to find a reasonable solution. Start by abolishing the embattled and patronage ladened Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Absorb the employees into PennDOT and get rid of overpaid an dulicate management positions. Synergize operations and leverage larger buying power. Markosek is a Democrat. He would never accept that proposition. Of course what would one expect when the person in charge of the committee has a B.A. What real qualifications does Markosek possess to decide how transportation funding can really be accomplished?

These are his Co-Sponsorship Memoranda.
03-29-2010 Markosek, Joseph F. Protect Senior Citizens from Improper Producer Designations
06-03-2009 Markosek, Joseph F. Special Permits for Excessive Size and Weight
05-22-2009 Markosek, Joseph F. Resolution Recognizing AARP
03-16-2009 Markosek, Joseph F. Primary Safety Belts
02-04-2009 Markosek, Joseph F. Phishing
02-03-2009 Markosek, Joseph F. Phishing
12-17-2008 Markosek, Joseph F. DUI Related Hit and Runs

Joe, how about transportation?

Tolling I-80 A No-Go and Northeastern Pennsylvania The Ugly Duckling

As the Associated Press writes about Northeastern PA being key to control of Congress Karin Andren of the Patriot News reports that the Feds are going to reject the tolling of I-80.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has rejected Pennsylvania's plan to toll Interstate 80, according to two sources with knowledge of the application. For months, the Federal Highway Administration has been poring over Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposal to remake I-80’s 311-mile, east-west track into a northern sister to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Sources say Rendell is expected to be notified of the decision today or tomorrow. They said the application will be rejected because it would violate language in a federal transportation law that would require money from I-80 tolls to be used only for that roadway.

The Rendell administration's plan would use the toll money to fund transportation initiatives statewide.


Just as Paul Kanjorski reportedly sunk Chris Carney's chance for a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee Robert Casey remained wishy-washy about the plan as reported by Becky Polaski of the Ridgway Record.

EMPORIUM – The debate over whether to convert Interstate 80 into a toll road continues to be argued across the state and residents asked Senator Bob Casey, Jr. about his stance on the matter when he visited Emporium yesterday afternoon.

“I don’t know what the federal government could do,” Casey said. “We don’t vote on it.”

Casey remarked that if he had a vote he would want to see some economic data and analysis showing the benefits that would be gained from adding tolls to Interstate 80.

“There’s a big debate about that, but I haven’t seen any conclusions with regard to what the studies show about the impact,” Casey said.

In particular, individuals stressed to Casey the concern that adding tolls to Interstate 80 would cause more vehicles to use other routes across the state, increasing the cost for those roads to be maintained.

Senator Casey seems to be in the dark about alot of issues. As reported on PAPundits Casey supported continued funding of Acorn.

I called Senator Robert P Casey Jr’s DC office, but no one answered. I then called the DC toll free number, was put through to voicemail after hearing a message saying there was extremely high call volume, then a recording said the inbox was full.

Then I called the Harrisburg office, and again, no one answered. I finally got an unimpressive witch to answer on the Hburg toll free line. I asked her what Casey’s defense was for continuing to support the corruption of ACORN. She seemed annoyed, and said that Casey voted against the Johanns Amendment (#2355 to H.R.3288) because it “went too far” and that criminal activity should be tried in court. She further stated that the statement Casey gave them (presumably to read to angry voters) said that the Amendment was to prevent ACORN from getting any money. I corrected her and told her that it only prevents ACORN from getting money from HUD. She declined “to argue” with me, but said she’d take my comments on the matter. I told her, “This crap right here, him supporting a corrupt organization, this is exactly why I changed my party affiliation to Republican last year after being a Democrat since I was 18. And this crap, this is exactly why he’s FIRED.”

She simply said in her monotone voice, “Okay,” then hung up.


Here's another example demonstrating Senator Casey's lack of familiarity with legislation he votes on. ProLife PA by Sue Cirba writes about Casey's apparent attempt to promote "Buy American" AFTER he voted for the stimulus bill that didn't protect American jobs.

Senator Bob Casey appeared on On the Record with Greta Van Susteren yesterday on Fox TV. According to Casey, "Well, there's a section of the recovery bill where dollars go to companies that are creating clean energy jobs. The problem we have now is that we've got lots and lots of companies that are benefiting, but unfortunately, too many of them are overseas in China and other places around the world. We want to make a correction to the recovery bill so that we're creating American jobs with American tax dollars." Sue Cirba; Bob Casey voted for the stimulus bill!. Was this loop hole in a part of the bill Casey read or the part he didn't read? Isn't this akin to closing the barn door after the million dollar stallion escaped? Casey has long been blindly promoting everything Obama wants. Perhaps Casey will learn a lesson from this experience and take a more thorough look at the health care bill before voting for it. Perhaps Casey should seriously consider Bart Stupak's objections to Obama's health care bill before Casey makes another huge blunder.

All of this post brings me back to the point that Northeastern Pennsylvania doesn't get the attention it deserves even from homegrowns. Kanjorski disses Carney in the name of Philadelphia and Casey sits on the sideline. This Opinion in the Philadelphia Inquirer by Rob Wonderling, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce promoting the tolling of I-80 and this article highlighting the support of SEPTA and the AFL-CIO from Philadelphia to toll I-80 demonstrate the impotence of the seniority Kanjorski claims he professes time and time again. Never mind that Philadelphians stick up for whats best for them, Kanjorski's vote sustains their actions.

Kevin Blaum wants us to believe that Kanjorski did the right thing by voting against Carney if he didn't have the support of the rest of the committee. Mr. Blaum couldn't be more wrong on this issue. From all perspectives it appears Kanjorski doesn't have enough juice to persuade the members of the Appropriations Committee to support Carney. Kanjorski had to rely on the coattails of John Murtha and Charlie Rangel for "sap from the tree" to feed the "district family".

Combine that problem with Casey's blind support for Obama policies and inept posturing on Northeastern Pennsylvania issues its no wonder we are relagated to feeling like the Ugly Duckling.

Kanjorski Flip Flops On Tolling I-80

What a difference a year makes with Paul Kanjorski. After the fight for his political life in last year's election against Lou Barletta Kanjorski is working overtime to redo his image. But there is an old album by Frank Zappa, "You Are What You Is" featuring a song "Dumb All Over". Kanjorski can't be serious when it comes to his positionS on I-80 because he flip-flops rather than stay true to his conviction. He is pandering to the electorate.

8/3/07 Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski Released the Following Statement on the I-80 Toll Issue,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gretchen M. Wintermantel
Aug. 3, 2007

"The real issue is how Pennsylvania should pay for its portion of the maintenance expenses for our roads and bridges. After much difficult negotiating, Governor Rendell and the Pennsylvania Legislature reached a compromise that would generate an average of $946 million annually over the next ten years to repair roads and bridges and support 73 public transit systems.

"It is incumbent upon opponents of this plan to offer a better alternative and thus far they have failed to do so. As a state legislator recently observed, the legislators thought tolling I-80 was a bad idea, but all ‘the others were worse.'

"Tolls and taxes are never popular, and I would prefer to find an alternative for funding Pennsylvania's highways without establishing tolls on I-80. However, I believe that the federal government should respect the decisions made by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

What a differnce a year and three months make.

12/17/09: Kanjorski, Carney, Dahlkemper, Thomson Strongly State Opposition to Tolling on I-80 in Meeting with Federal Highway Administration

"I am, and always have been, opposed to tolling on I-80, as it would negatively affect residents throughout Pennsylvania, but especially those in the Northeast," said Congressman Kanjorski. "We must invest in projects and policies that will benefit Pennsylvanians, and tolling on I-80 will do just the opposite.

Kanjorski is incapable of thinking, incapable of governing, and incapable of telling the truth. And Dumb All Over.