NOTE: The following is an unedited statement from the Indiana Democratic Party presented as a Web-only extra for the information of our readers:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2007 

Governor finally gets the message on private toll roads

Democrat-led hearings provided forum for feedback 

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker today said Hoosiers sent a message to Gov. Mitch Daniels by showing unified opposition to his plans to build two new private toll roads in Central and Northwestern Indiana. 

Parker applauded Indiana House Democrats for listening to public feedback and forcing Mitch Daniels to abide by the people’s will. 

“For the past two years, Hoosiers have had to deal with a Tin Ear Governor,” Parker said. “I’m proud that Democrats have been able to counter that and provide a viable forum for public debate.” 

Last year, despite an outpouring of concern and cries for caution, Daniels and House Republicans forced through the highly controversial lease of the Indiana Toll Road to a private, foreign consortium. 

This year, Parker said Daniels has had to face the music when it comes to his wrong-minded agenda. 

“You can only push people so far before they begin to see right through you,” Parker said. “Hoosiers have spoken, and Mitch Daniels knew House Democrats would listen to them. He had no choice but to take his unpopular proposals off the table.”

 Indiana House Speaker Pat Bauer commended House Roads and Transportation Committee Chair Terri Austin, D-Anderson, for “providing a very valuable service to the public” by hosting a series of committee hearings to discuss Daniels’ Central Indiana toll road plan. 

Austin held three hearings in areas that would be affected by the proposed road. The last meeting, held in Shelby County on Thursday, attracted 1,500 people, most of whom spoke in opposition to the project.

 Additionally, a recent forum held in Northwest Indiana to discuss the Illiana Expressway attracted 1,000 local opponents to the Governor’s plan. 

“We said we would listen, and we have,” Bauer said.

He said Daniels’ toll road proposals could be eligible for legislative study in the summer or fall. 

For more information: Jennifer Wagner, 317-231-7125 or 317-752-6497

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