Legislators oppose leasing Ohio Turnpike

Staff report

COLUMBUS

State Reps. Ronald V. Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, and Matt Lundy of Elyria, D-57th, say they are preparing legislation that would require the Ohio Turnpike Commission to have four public hearings within three months of any proposed lease of the maintenance and operation of the Ohio Turnpike.

The two Democrats’ bill, to be introduced shortly, would also amend and repeal certain state laws to eliminate the authority of the director of budget management and the director of transportation over outsourcing contracts for the turnpike.

Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, is looking at the possibility of leasing the turnpike, a move he’s said could bring billions of dollars to the state.

Gerberry and Lundy oppose the move.

“The residents of northern Ohio helped finance this incredibly valuable asset, and giving up ownership in any manner is wrong,” Gerberry said. “Selling off Ohio assets for one-time money is clearly not the right direction for our great state.”