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BODINE-CHATZIDAKIS BILL TO REQUIRE PUBLIC CONSENT TO SALE OF THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE

PROPOSAL WOULD PROTECT MOTORISTS FROM THE UNKNOWN EFFECTS OF A HASTILY CONCEIVED SCHEME

January 31, 2007
Eighth Legislative District/856-234-8080
Assembly Republican Office/609-292-5339

Assemblymen Francis Bodine and Larry Chatzidakis have introduced a bill that would require any proposed sale of a state asset valued at $100 million or more be submitted to the citizens of New Jersey for approval first.

Their proposal comes amidst increasing speculation that Governor Corzine intends to propose the sale or lease of the New Jersey Turnpike to a private vendor for a one-time infusion of cash to feed his unfettered penchant for spending.

"Toll roads including the Turnpike and the Parkway belong to the public," said Bodine. "The taxpayers funded their construction, motorists provide for their maintenance, and, in one way or another, everyone in the state relies on them, whether it be for travel, deliveries, or shipments. To turn them over to a nameless corporation without the consent of the public simply wouldn't be right."

Assemblyman Chatzidakis pointed out that the sale or lease of the Turnpike could lead to increased tolls for motorists and truckers, congestion on nearby local roads, or restrictions on the state's ability to implement transportation management strategies.

Assemblyman Bodine went on to lament the possibility that the sale or lease of the Turnpike, and the immediate cash it would generate, would not be used responsibly.

"The last thing we want to see happen is squandering a windfall of hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars. Will there be safeguards to make sure it does not vanish in the vacuous budget, consumed by special interests or unnecessary programs?" Bodine asked.

Chatzidakis also renewed his call for a tough state spending cap, saying that the "entire discussion of state assets and cash infusions make it even more important that the state adopt, and live by, a strict financial policy that is friendly to taxpayers, property owners, and businesses."

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