Opponents dominate meeting near Toledo on Ohio Turnpike leasing

ROSSFORD, Ohio (AP) — Ohio lawmakers at a town-hall meeting have heard from residents and toll collectors opposed to turning the Ohio Turnpike over to a private operator.

The Blade newspaper reports most people who spoke at Monday’s event in the Toledo area were against Gov. John Kasich’s plan to lease the toll road. The meeting was billed as the first stop on a “Turnpike Town Hall Tour” hosted by Democrats.

Toll taker Linda Crews said she fears privatization would lead to job cuts.

People living near the turnpike said they worry not only about job losses but also about the possibility of higher tolls or the road falling into poor condition.

They addressed a panel of lawmakers including Republican state Rep. Barbara Sears. She said she’s undecided on the issue.