Pretty amazing, it takes a toll increase like this for Iannello to act, a little late isn’t. Instead of continuing on this course which I think is just pandering, she needs to push Hoyt to introduce legislation in the Assembly to give the Niagara section to the D.O.T.

I have gotten all the Republican support in both houses of the legislature, all we need is to have a Democrat like Assemblyman Sam Hoyt sponsor it. Even Senator Thompson (no relation) agrees with me and the petition signers. Why is Hoyt ignoring us? Why has he not responded to my emails and the cries of over 8000 people? I promise Sam, I have no desire to ever run against you again, take all the credit there is out there to offer. Just do the right thing and sponsor this in the Assembly.

Hearing set on higher GI bridge tolls

Two Erie County legislators have set an informational meeting to review the impact of the New York State Thruway Authority’s decision to increase the Grand Island bridge tolls by 25 percent.

Lawmakers Michelle Iannello, D-Kenmore, and Tim Kennedy, D- S. Buffalo, will host the meeting, set for 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 17 in Legislature Chambers, fourth floor of Erie County Hall. Iannello’s district includes Grand Island while Kennedy is chairman of the legislature’s Economic Development Committee.

Iannello since the toll increase went into effect on Jan. 1, she has been flooded with calls from residents and businesses, all denouncing the hike. The tolls went from 75 cents to $1 for both the north and south bridges in the island.

“The more information and more data we can gather concerning the adverse effect on the economy, the stronger our case will be to present to the Thruway Authority for removal of the tolls,” Iannello said. “We have already submitted the argument that it is a double tax and there are other sources of funding to maintain the Grand Island portion of the I-90. This has fallen on deaf ears.”

Among those expected to testify at the meeting include Town of Grand Island elected officials, members of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Island Economic Development Committee.

State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo, and state Sen. Antoine Thompson, D-Buffalo, will also participate.

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