The Talbot Spy asked Delegate Addie Eckardt (MD37B) to answer a few questions on the controversial Bay Bridge toll hikes — set to go into effect on October 1, 2011, we appreciate her quick response.
Q: What immediate impact will the toll hikes have on your constituents, what have the people you represent said to you about the impact of the toll hikes?
Answer: The immediate impact is one of again being nickled and dimed to death. Constituents have voiced outrage at the increase at a time when the economy has not rebounded. Many are in a position of property and assessment- so devalued that the mortgage exceeds the option to re- finance. Food costs and gas costs are higher than a year ago, with less income [coming in].
Many constituents commute from Annapolis to the Shore, the Shore to Annapolis, and beyond and they have calculated the increased costs. The trucking industry will be severely impacted. Citizens are talking about shopping and going to Delaware rather than to the Western Shore, and others have suggested that we secede from the state and create the state of DELMARVA — as was proposed years ago by Senator Colburn.
With the struggling economy for the average citizen, the proposed increase seems like another assault on the Eastern Shore to generate revenues from locals to pay for Western Shore projects. There has been no mention of the Eastern Shore Projects needing funding. Folks expected a $.50 increase but not from $2.50 to $8.00 and to $60.00 for multi axel trucks.
Give the economy a chance to recover. The economic impact is so significant and is not the way to create jobs and grow business. We in Maryland are not listening to the people and the regulations are strangling business- particularly new business. If we want to grow business and expand or even retain existing business, then lets be sensitive to the costs being passed on to the citizens and our businesses.
Question: Explain the timing of the announcement of the toll hikes in relation to the last legislative session, do you believe this was this done to avoid a harsh reaction from lawmakers?
Answer: It seems to me that the issue is money. That the Authority decided that they need it and they will get it, without regard for anything else.
Question: Do you think the toll hikes fall within the Maryland Constitutional framework, are agencies of government allowed to exact fees and taxes without legislative oversight, and should the Assembly change the laws to reflect voter participation in the decisions over new fees and taxes?
Answer: Many agencies and arms of government are given statutory authority through the legislature and take full advantage of it. I will have to research the constitution to and history to see when the Authority was established to raise the tolls. The drastic increase does raise the issue of whether the power should be delegated or remain with the legislature, and there may be efforts to repeal that authority. There will be action from members of the Eastern Shore Delegation in response to our constituent outcry.
MBTroup says
Dan – Good questions with mostly reasonable answers. As you know, the secession weather balloon also gets floated up MD213. I think that type of rhetoric should be shelved if Annapolis is to take our concerns seriously. On GP, the Delegate has the right outlook and appears to be willing to act.