![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/young_sen_cathy_hires.jpg?itok=sHLStpod)
Senator Young Comments on Spitzer’s Response to Thruway Plan to Increase Tolls
Catharine Young
November 21, 2007
![](http://www.senatorcathyyoung.com/Districts/57/images_wms/itn18281.jpg)
Saying she was "disappointed by his lack of action," State Senator Catharine Young called on Governor Eliot Spitzer to halt the proposed Thruway toll hike.
"He just stopped the MTA fare increase for New York City subway riders. Why can’t he help the people of upstate? His inaction certainly shows where his priorities are. He continues to be out of touch with our needs here in Western New York," she said.
On Tuesday, Governor Spitzer announced that he had "no current control over Thruway Authority plans to raise tolls on its upstate highway." The Governor said that since the Authority’s Board was appointed by former Governor Pataki, he can do little but "monitor the situation."
"That is a pretty lame excuse," said Senator Young. "He is the Governor, for goodness sake. He should weigh in on this critical transportation issue."
Senate Republicans successfully asked the Thruway Authority to slow down the toll increase which would rise to 20% over the next few years. The Authority originally planned the hike to go into place November 20.
Senate Republicans also requested State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to audit the Thruway’s books to ensure openness, accountability and to identify cost savings.
"We must look at every option available, because toll increases hurt commuters going back and forth to work, tourism and our economy," Senator Young continued. "We already suffered through a 20% jump in 2005. We need leadership. We need results for the hardworking overburdened taxpayers of New York. We need the Governor to work with us for a solution."
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to NewsroomSenator Young Secures $50,000 for Stanley Hose Company
September 28, 2018
Senator Young Secures $80,000 for “Dream It Do It” Program
September 26, 2018
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/6748106.jpg?itok=FBJvgbmb)
![Participating in the ribbon cutting from left to right in front are HC Fenner Principal Gary Gilbert, Ellicott Town Supervisor Pat McLaughlin, Falconer Mayor James Rensel, Falconer Central School District Superintendent Stephen Penhollow, Senator Cathy Young, Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Chautauqua County Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, Falconer Central School Director of Special Education Julie Possai, Paul BD Temple Principal Holly Hannon, Falconer Central School Director of Instruction and Staff Development Judith Roach and Town of Ellicott Police Chief Bill Ohnmeiss.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/falconer_school_traffic_light.jpg?itok=R-B0xVA_)
NPR's 1A "The Crime That Changed Mental Health Treatment"
September 13, 2018