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Author	Topic: Freak out! MoDOT chief wants to toll I-70 without your vote	Post a Reply Back to Topics

PD Moderator	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:23:21 AM Ignore PD Report Abuse Last Monday we told you about an insane idea by Missouri DOT chief Kevin Keith that would take a currently toll-free I-70 and convert it to a toll road that could cost motorists as much as $30 each way and truckers as much as $90. Now, the MoDOT chief is saying he intends to stifle any general opposition by going around Missouri voters and seeking to turn the road into a toll road "legally". For the record, Missouri voters have already rejected two tries by state authorities that would amend the state constitution to create toll roads. So what did Keith say when he would try to bypass voters? According to St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Keith said "We believe we can do the public-private partnership for I-70, as we outlined it, legally... Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

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Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:23:21 AM

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Last Monday we told you about an insane idea by Missouri DOT chief Kevin Keith that would take a currently toll-free I-70 and convert it to a toll road that could cost motorists as much as $30 each way and truckers as much as $90.

Now, the MoDOT chief is saying he intends to stifle any general opposition by going around Missouri voters and seeking to turn the road into a toll road "legally". For the record, Missouri voters have already rejected two tries by state authorities that would amend the state constitution to create toll roads. So what did Keith say when he would try to bypass voters? According to St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Keith said "We believe we can do the public-private partnership for I-70, as we outlined it, legally...

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pfone1847 Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,321 Points:650,305 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 3:21:31 AM Ignore pfone1847 Report Abuse hmmm
txrojo2005 All-Star Author Austin Posts:801 Points:500,140 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 17, 2012 11:16:14 AM Ignore txrojo2005 Report Abuse Existing roads, no way. New roads, possibly. [Edited by: txrojo2005 at 8/17/2012 12:16:36 PM EST]
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,487 Points:1,346,755 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Aug 12, 2012 7:36:10 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse US 69 from NE Oklahoma to the Texas Line toward Dallas is a busy 4 lane that is in good shape and a free State highway. A move was made 2 yrs ago to build a new turnpike alongside it. At least it wasn't just taking it over and charging. But they went down in flames. We have too many toll roads in Oklahoma now and the people wanted no part of it nor did the thousands of businesses strung up and down 69 highway. Good grief!
RONALD777 Champion Author Houston Posts:3,428 Points:390,455 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Aug 11, 2012 5:52:03 PM Ignore RONALD777 Report Abuse Maybe we should bring back flogging just for guys like that!
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:819 Points:20,605 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 11, 2012 10:09:21 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse ok
rocket_ron Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:6,421 Points:2,011,700 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Aug 5, 2012 9:15:54 AM Ignore rocket_ron Report Abuse Ok
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,168 Points:307,705 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 5, 2012 9:06:57 AM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse no
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,487 Points:1,507,735 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Aug 5, 2012 8:33:54 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse not nice tax grab
Vette1967 Champion Author Albany Posts:6,107 Points:1,303,700 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Aug 5, 2012 12:33:16 AM Ignore Vette1967 Report Abuse Welcome to the thruway paying states of america.
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:819 Points:20,605 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2012 12:23:36 PM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse ok
celtic14 Champion Author Florida Posts:1,335 Points:2,154,010 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Jan 26, 2012 2:58:57 PM Ignore celtic14 Report Abuse Apparently MoDOT's looters took an envious look across its borders. Nearly all of I-44 in Oklahoma is tolled, as are large chunks of I-35 and I-70 in Kansas. And according to my road atlas all of I-95 is tolled in supposedly anti-tax NH. Awhile back the school board in a nearby county attempted (and failed, fortunately) to game the laws in such a way as to impose a sales tax surcharge without a referendum. This soon after voters rejected their 9-figure bond issue by a 3-1 margin.
fatron Rookie Author Texas Posts:4 Points:63,155 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 6:49:02 PM Ignore fatron Report Abuse It amazes me how our Government is 'stepping around' the Constitution to do anything they want in our Country. The Big O is the worst we have ever had and all his cronies have taught him well. Just sayin'
blupupher Champion Author Houston Posts:3,690 Points:774,770 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 7:49:16 AM Ignore blupupher Report Abuse This is scary. Once a precedent is set, other states will start doing the same. You want a toll road, fine, build it from scratch. This is an already built, federally funded roadway. No tolls allowed. Learn to contral your spending in other areas before you turn to more taxes (this is what tolls are). I would pay an additional gasoline tax before this.
BlkWolfVF1 Rookie Author Montana Posts:1 Points:120 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 6:29:44 AM Ignore BlkWolfVF1 Report Abuse Seems to me that this would be contrary to the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, Then again let this fool at the Missouri DOT build his toll booths and start collecting tolls then the Federal Govt can send him vouchers for Missouri to repay the Bill to put all of the Interstates in to the States which they never could have afforded anyways. Time for people to realize that the Interstate System is not a RIGHT of the People it was intended to ensure a viable road structure for the United States following WWII. It is also intended as emergency airstrips for the same purpose. This is why every 15 miles of Interstate you will find a mile straight streach across the country. Eisenhower didn't give a damn about citizens convienince when he pushed through the Interstate Act. He didn't want troops to have to go through the hell he did trying to move equipment around the US like he did ever again. Go ahead Missouri erect your toll booths and start paying back what you havent paid for anyways...
MelB70 Champion Author Boston Posts:7,597 Points:1,322,450 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 5:51:42 AM Ignore MelB70 Report Abuse WOuld not be the first time things got passed without the "Peoples" vote.
Krykson All-Star Author Chicago Posts:840 Points:247,385 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 1:42:41 AM Ignore Krykson Report Abuse Interesting
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:33,579 Points:2,372,235 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 1:18:18 AM Ignore tomok Report Abuse Missouri voters have already rejected two tries by state authorities that would amend the state constitution to create toll roads. If Missouri DOT chief Kevin Keith takes a toll-free I-70 and converts it to a toll road that could cost motorists as much as $30 each way and truckers as much as $90, then its time to remove that person from office and find a ‘new’ MoDOT chief. It will decrease traffic on I-70 and force the side roads to handle more traffic. It would also restrict travel by tourists and increase the cost of goods and services by truck. If it happens in Mo, it may happen in a state near you. 12/22/2012!
NOTSOGRN Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,076 Points:1,535,190 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 11:48:32 PM Ignore NOTSOGRN Report Abuse . . "Kevin L. Keith, P.E., was appointed Director of the Missouri Department of Transportation effective ..." . Voted down two times & now pushing it though by some who was never voted in. . Kind a like Czar...
NOTSOGRN Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,076 Points:1,535,190 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 11:39:25 PM Ignore NOTSOGRN Report Abuse . . Give them the BIG boot this needs to be nipped in the bud.
rjhenn Champion Author Des Moines Posts:22,605 Points:2,256,100 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 11:34:41 PM Ignore rjhenn Report Abuse Mowerman08 - "Sound like a Democrat who borrowed BHO's play book." Why would a Democrat do this? According to the right, Democrats want to remove all tolls and make all travel 'free'.
rjhenn Champion Author Des Moines Posts:22,605 Points:2,256,100 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 11:34:16 PM Ignore rjhenn Report Abuse mstearno - "looks like us 40 would be busy again he's been watching too much NOBAMA" Well, of course they'll try and sell this as free market capitalism. Isn't that what Republicans always do? 7;-]
rjhenn Champion Author Des Moines Posts:22,605 Points:2,256,100 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 11:33:53 PM Ignore rjhenn Report Abuse sillywagon - "The problem in Missouri like many places is that they want the toll fees, gas taxes, and as many ways to get all of taxpayers and consumers MONEY. ALL OF It!!! Government can never do with just what it has. It always has to have more." So you're saying that government is just like Wall Street?
TustinDad Champion Author Orange County Posts:4,377 Points:915,560 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 11:33:34 PM Ignore TustinDad Report Abuse Mowerman08 wrote: "Sound like a Democrat who borrowed BHO's play book." Just that in this case it is a bunch of Republicans, so you see both sides use the same play book. What a surprise! (Not)
emptypockets2008 Champion Author Michigan Posts:14,652 Points:1,311,695 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 11:05:29 PM Ignore emptypockets2008 Report Abuse incompetence at it's best, too.
NemoIL Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,159 Points:1,339,905 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 11:03:22 PM Ignore NemoIL Report Abuse This is how Obama does business, why let the people vote, make the working people pay for our leaders incompetence.
roadrunnin Champion Author Richmond Posts:1,801 Points:582,030 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:58:07 PM Ignore roadrunnin Report Abuse wow, wow, wow, tough because there doesn't seem to be enough tax money to keep up the roads.
Holly123 Champion Author Charlotte Posts:3,332 Points:816,710 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:57:06 PM Ignore Holly123 Report Abuse We don't have a choice.
SammyAdams Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:3,197 Points:820,355 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:55:04 PM Ignore SammyAdams Report Abuse Okay Missou, get to work. The solution is the same there as anywhere else where government officials think they know what's best for you. Elect candidates who are better prepared to be servants of the people.
cisson All-Star Author Kentucky Posts:516 Points:394,635 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:46:21 PM Ignore cisson Report Abuse They do what they want the taxpayers have no voice
Mowerman08 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:4,878 Points:1,243,255 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:45:42 PM Ignore Mowerman08 Report Abuse Sound like a Democrat who borrowed BHO's play book.
AKmailman Champion Author Alaska Posts:5,758 Points:1,584,590 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:44:57 PM Ignore AKmailman Report Abuse so much for "the power of the people"
CarSalesmanPA Champion Author Reading Posts:3,644 Points:759,855 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:44:47 PM Ignore CarSalesmanPA Report Abuse So, there is no longer due process, eh?
Ahking Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,599 Points:621,360 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:43:33 PM Ignore Ahking Report Abuse good to see initiatives
bettersight Champion Author Oakland Posts:1,116 Points:255,885 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:39:11 PM Ignore bettersight Report Abuse ok
rxman1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:9,690 Points:1,888,745 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:38:52 PM Ignore rxman1 Report Abuse If politicIans have their way, all of the interstates will become toll roads.
blazerbob91 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:6,279 Points:1,910,020 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:38:35 PM Ignore blazerbob91 Report Abuse Where there is a will there is a way.
Anddy_viper888 Sophomore Author New York Posts:195 Points:10,545 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:35:44 PM Ignore Anddy_viper888 Report Abuse What a dude !...
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:8,174 Points:1,755,920 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:32:54 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse looks like us 40 would be busy again he's been watching too much NOBAMA
The3rd Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:2,998 Points:837,550 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:25:24 PM Ignore The3rd Report Abuse Sounds like he's taking a play out of Obummer's play book.
Ken2OD Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:9,208 Points:1,998,665 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:15:50 PM Ignore Ken2OD Report Abuse Shades of Stalinism! NYET!!!
GoGoGoodyear Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,117 Points:530,075 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:14:18 PM Ignore GoGoGoodyear Report Abuse I don't live in that state but if the voters don't stand up and make it crystal clear to their elected leaders that this is a reprehensible way to sneak around asking the voters if they want this toll, they will lose control of yet one more thing in the name of raising taxes. Once it happens, it's almost impossible to change it back.
suzmar Champion Author Texas Posts:2,223 Points:896,185 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:06:01 PM Ignore suzmar Report Abuse The voters need to speak out.
milespergallon Champion Author Illinois Posts:9,885 Points:1,936,060 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:03:50 PM Ignore milespergallon Report Abuse Who do they think they are? Illinois politicians?
SparkieMi Champion Author Kalamazoo Posts:3,397 Points:615,110 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:03:46 PM Ignore SparkieMi Report Abuse Many good posts... It seems that the politicians forget who they are SUPPOSE to represent...
woodeye55 Champion Author Gary Posts:7,507 Points:1,884,455 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 10:02:55 PM Ignore woodeye55 Report Abuse MoDOT SUX
sillywagon Champion Author New York Posts:15,113 Points:1,468,820 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 9:56:11 PM Ignore sillywagon Report Abuse Private Toll roads are a good idea. If they are regulation like a utility to provide accountability, Plus you get treated like a customer and provided with a usable road, instead of driving at ten miles an hour. The problem in Missouri like many places is that they want the toll fees, gas taxes, and as many ways to get all of taxpayers and consumers MONEY. ALL OF It!!! Government can never do with just what it has. It always has to have more.
TustinDad Champion Author Orange County Posts:4,377 Points:915,560 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 9:55:21 PM Ignore TustinDad Report Abuse hagar2935 wrote: "The article fails to state whether this fool is a Democrat, but based on his actions I would believe so." It doesn't really matter if Kevin Keith is D or R. The people in charge are all R. The Republican vice chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee State Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, "said that under the narrow circumstances of forming a public-private partnership to rebuild I-70, a public vote does not seem to be required." He backs it up by saying that "precedent can be found in a bill that enabled the state to enter into a public-private partnership to build a new Mississippi River bridge using tolls." So, the DOT chief seems to be working for a bunch of Republicans who think this is a great idea. And, oh by the way, the MO legislature is very heavy on the R side, if you didn't already know. [Edited by: TustinDad at 1/23/2012 10:56:23 PM EST]
30mpg80 Champion Author Lexington Posts:10,265 Points:1,514,580 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 9:54:57 PM Ignore 30mpg80 Report Abuse I foresee a few voices raised in protest
rjhenn Champion Author Des Moines Posts:22,605 Points:2,256,100 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 9:54:15 PM Ignore rjhenn Report Abuse Hey, he's just trying to lower taxes. Isn't that what the tea party wants?
silverfoxv65 Champion Author Michigan Posts:4,618 Points:1,256,475 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2012 9:53:30 PM Ignore silverfoxv65 Report Abuse We are losing our freedom and we dont have enough people who care any more, they would rather be taken care of by our GOV. than fight!