Proposed Toll Hikes in NJ

As I mentioned in an earlier post titled 'Tough Love Indeed", Governor Corzine (D) has proposed a 488% hike in the tolls we pay. He realizes this is very unpopular so he has added some sweeteners to the proposal like: commuters will get a break from this hike. How he plans on doing this or how he expects me to keep track of the tolls I pay is beyond me at this point (more on this when his plan is more detailed).

The reason for my post is that Corzine is now having 'town-hall' style meetings around the state to talk about the toll-hike plan that he still has not detailed yet. The problem with these meetings is that you have to RSVP! They want to know who will be attending and you need to give a lot of personal information before you can register.

Here is a clip from the Sentinel, which is our local weekly newspaper:

The details of the meetings including locations, dates and times can be found under the Town Hall listing," Corzine wrote. "If youwould like to attend you must RSVP (emphasis added). You will find the registration formunder the link Town Hall RSVP."

Say what? Why would anyone have to RSVP to attend a public meeting? Is that even legal?

Let's take a look at the state's open meetings law. Anything in there about mandatory RSVPs? Nope, not a word.

Corzine is apparently making it up as he goes along. He wants to know who plans to attend these public meetings, and he wants to know as much about them as possible.

I couldn't say it any snarkier than Greg Bean.

Ive said it before, and I'll say it again: unbelievable.