05.28.07
The “Moratorium” – What Have We Got?
As we wait for Gov. Perry to sign, we’re told, SB 792 I’m reminded of the question asked of Ben Franklin after the question asked of Ben Franklin after the Constitutional Convention:
“Well, Doctor, what have we got—a Republic or a Monarchy?â€
“A Republic, if you can keep it.â€
It’s obvious that Rep. Lois Kolkhorst and CorridorWatch believe we have a moratorium. But most everyone else affiliated with stopping the TTC and tolls for corporate profit believe otherwise – see this post from Sal Costello and read the comments.
The simple fact is SB 792, a so called 2 year moratorium compromise bill, doesn’t stop one toll road that’s planned in the next 2 years. Not one road! All the roads planned are exempted. And at the last minute, Wentworth, Uresti, Van De Putte, Zaffirini, and highway lobbyists dragged an amendment that would have saved San Antonio’s 1604 from 792!
The Governor is already bragging about 792, and the press is calling it something it certainly is not, a “Freeze on private toll roadsâ€. And CorridorWatch is calling it a “Moratoriumâ€. But, It’s A moratorium on nothing.
So what do we have? We’ve got a “moratorium” on corporate tolls on any future project that was not already in the works. We’ve got the word of politicians, “public representations”, that this bill does include the TTC. We have to trust their word, NOT the law, that this includes the TTC. Lois Kolkhorst had this to say about her decision:
Ms. Kolkhorst held her ground for several days before deciding that her amendment was not necessary to enforce a moratorium. She said she stayed up until 4 a.m. Thursday doing some “soul-searching” before she decided to sign off on the compromise.
“I’m one of those personalities that says, I want it all and I want it right now,” she said. “That was too difficult to get. It’s peeling back an onion and going through the layers. And we got through several layers this session.”
An onion is an apt metaphor, this deal has a pungent aroma and will bring tears to your eyes.
Here’s what CorridorWatch had to say for themselves:
Although it’s punched full of holes to accommodate a dozen pending toll road project across the state, SB792 still contains a two-year moratorium that will slow construction of the Trans Texas Corridor, particularly TTC-69. While we remain uncertain that the moratorium language of SB792 is tight enough to stop TTC-35 facility agreements from being executed during the next two-years. However, we have been given that assurance from others who are very involved in the process, including Senator Nichols.
It has also been put on the official record over and over that it is the intent of the legislature to halt any TTC construction contract from being signed over the next two years, including TTC-35. In response, public representations have been made to the legislature that no TTC construction contracts will be executed during the moratorium. Should that occur a certain firestorm will erupt with CorridorWatch leading a charge against TxDOT.
All that’s really been won is the ability for some elected representatives to be able to say to their constituents, that don’t pay close attention – which unfortunately are many – that they did something on th issue of toll roads and the TTC.
Keep in mind that Perry’s office has said this:
“Today’s action ensures that Texas will continue to have the tools needed to support the states booming population and economic growth,”
It’s obvious that they believe they still have all the “tools” they need. I also can’t find a public statement anywhere from Gov. Perry or his office where they admit that this “moratorium” includes the TTC, 35 or 69.
So what have we got? A moratorium, if we can keep it.
Perry can still veto it and then all bets are off.