Carol Rhodes fears that the money could be used for a Camden-Glassboro light-rail train that many residents oppose.
To the Editor:
If Republicans in New Jersey want to start winning more elections, they should stand firm against the Trenton Democratic push to raise gasoline taxes, spearheaded by Senate President Stephen Sweeney.
Recent opinion polls show that residents are firmly against such a tax hike, even if the money is dedicated to replenishing the depleted Transportation Trust Fund.
Could be because it doesn't matter how much money is in the transportation fund, if officials like the Delaware River Port Authority commissioners could get access to the money?
They most likely would apply, because somebody in Trenton thought it was a fine idea for the DRPA to provide "project management" for the proposed Glassboro-to-Camden light rail line.
This project so is unpopular that residents of one town along the route -- Wenonah -- are on record opposing letting the train even stop in their town. While the Wenonah vote was non-binding, all towns along the route should have the right to reject a stop.
The DRPA and its commissioners are the subject of an ongoing federal investigation over the the way they disbursed bridge toll money for non-transportation "economic development" projects.
With a replenished Transportation Trust Fund, the DRPA could ask for $1.6 billion dollars to actually build the Glassboro-Camden rail line.
It would mean just more money under the bridge.
Carol Rhodes
Barnsboro
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