Each Thursday, we put one of our local newsmakers On The Spot.This week: Assemblyman Bob Oaks

This week's question: The state Thruway Authority recently approved more toll hikes. Realistically, can anything be done to prevent more toll increases in the future?

Already high Thruway tolls impact New Yorkers each and every day by increasing the costs of goods and services shipped across New York and the cost of traveling for business or pleasure. I am adamantly opposed to another toll increase.

In fact, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recently completed an audit of the Thruway Authority and determined that the toll increases and reduced discounts to E-Zpass users are unjustified.

They also determined that the authority needed to review their procedures to make sure that they are using the most cost effective methods before an increase should be considered.

I agree with the comptroller that the Thruway Authority needs to practice fiscal restraint and show greater fiscal responsibility before they consider placing another unnecessary monetary burden on the citizens of New York state.

The New York State Thruway Authority has sole responsibility to set rates by action of the Thruway Board.

There is a public comment period, which the board must take into consideration but the final say rests with the board.

To address this issue, I am joining Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco and many of my other colleagues in the Assembly Republican Conference in co-sponsoring bill A.9616-A. I believe that A9616-A will provide greater review and oversight of any proposed future toll hikes by leaving the ultimate decision on toll increases with the Legislature.

There is already widespread support for this legislation among Assembly Republicans and we are now working to convince majority members in the Assembly of the importance of protecting those who pay tolls on the New York State Thruway.

If you have an On The Spot

question, call managing editor Mike Dowd at 253-5311 ext. 234 or e-mail michael.dowd@lee.net