Do you remember what was promised when the turnpike was approved? No tolls when the bonds were paid off! Remember we were told trucks on the turnpike would be inspected after several serious accidents? Have you ever seen a weigh station open? Remember when the sales tax increase was supposed to be temporary? Remember the promise that, if you bought loon plates, there would be more money for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife? Remember when we were told the lottery would put more money into educating our kids? Remember when you only had to chose five numbers?

Well, there’s one more `check in the mail.’

In November, look out for a non-binding referendum on widening a few miles of the Maine Turnpike. The Turnpike Authority says it must be widened because of safety issues and congestion. This will cost $134 million and tolls will go up to pay for it. In fact, the Turpike Authority has already widened all but one of the bridges across those miles in arrogant anticipation of your support!

Bridges are not part of this referendum, because the Turnpike Authority either 1) spends all of its money, 2) lowers tolls, or 3) gives its surplus to the M.D.O.T. Conclusion: part of the high cost of the widening is being hidden from voters.

The real solution to those congestion and safety issues is being carefully ignored by the Turnpike Authority. The toll booths themselves are responsible for delays, congestion, pollution, accidents including deaths, several in the recent past. The state of Connecticut had the good sense to heed the words of Reagan to Gorbachev (If I may paraphrase):

Tear down those barriers, Mr. King.

William Quinn

Belfast