Letter to the editor from Elisa Esses, District 36 constituent, Stamford, CT submitted Jan 20, 2019
Now is NOT the time for new taxes. Now is NOT the time for tolls.
Alex Bergstein, Senate Democrat elected in District 36, introduced a bill (Proposed Bill No. 102) to establish tolls on all major highways on a per-mile basis for all vehicles. This is far more expansive than Governor Ned Lamont’s “truck-only toll” promise.
The Governor has stood firm to limit tolls on only big tractor-trailer trucks. I urge all Connecticut legislators to reject Senator Bergstein’s Proposed Bill No. 102.
Can you imagine the most beautiful highway in America, our Merritt Parkway, cluttered with unsightly gantries every mile?
Connecticut residents already pay 43.8¢ per gallon in gasoline tax. This is the 7th highest in the nation, 12.5¢ higher that the Northeast regional average. Municipalities also charge stiff annual levies on cars.
Now, our politicians are asking working residents in Connecticut to pay an additional tax each day to commute to work. Imagine the impact on our local roads. Drivers who choose to avoid tolls will crowd Route 1, for example, all the way through Fairfield County.
I agree that Connecticut needs to improve its infrastructure, but we must prioritize our spending within the existing budget. Before Connecticut starts to introduce new taxes through tolls that hurt residents and business owners, our legislature needs to work on fixing our looming fiscal crisis.
Senator Bergstein, please focus on your campaign promises to 1) Lower Taxes on all Connecticut Families and 2) Fix the Pension Crisis.
Contact your legislator and let them know that you do not want tolls in Connecticut. Click here to find your legislators.
Elisa Esses, District 36 constituent
Stamford, CT