To the editor:

Our form of government in the United States of America is Democratic Republic.  In a Democratic Republic the people elect representatives — senators and representatives — to represent them in the U.S. Congress and the State Legislature.

The recent legislation imposing tolls on trucks was rushed through the RI House and Senate and hurriedly signed by the governor.  While the poor condition of our bridges and roads is irrefutable, hurry-up legislation such as the RhodeWorks Bill creates suspicion and mistrust in our Democratic Republic form of government.  In spite of significant opposition by the voters of Rhode Island, it seems that the Democratic controlled state legislature steamrolled this bill to the governor’s desk in near record time.

Here in the East Bay, several of our legislators, heeding the concerns of their constituents, fought a losing battle against the RhodeWorks Bill.  Dan Reilly, R-Portsmouth, was in the forefront of this effort.  Mr. Reilly raised significant concerns including:

• • Limiting the number of toll gantries
• • Constitutionality of the legislation
• • Possible future expansion of tolls for all vehicles
• • Funds collected by RhodeWorks will not satisfy the cost of road/bridge repairs
• • There are better ways of collecting the required funding
• • Impact on business and consumer prices throughout Rhode Island.
• Mr. Reilly, listening to input from his constituents and his personal concerns fought but lost his effort to get the issue on the November RI ballot.

At this point, let us be sure that we all know who listened to their constituents and their own common sense and who were unable to stand up to the Democratically controlled House and Senate:

Rep. Dan Reilly, R-Portsmouth, opposed RhodeWork Bill.

Rep. Dennis Canario, D-Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton, opposed Rhodework Bill.

Sen. John Pagliarini Jr. R-Tiverton, Portsmouth, Bristol, opposed Rhodework Bill.

Rep. Raymond Gallison, D-Portsmouth, Bristol, supported Rhodework Bill.

Rep. John Edwards, D-Portsmouth, Tiverton, supported Rhodework Bill.

All voters in the East Bay need to keep this in mind during future elections and, in the event that Mr. Reilly’s concerns are fulfilled, whom to hold accountable.

Robert Bledsoe

Portsmouth