Possible toll hikes for commercial vehicles in Massachusetts are in legal limbo as two members of the state's Turnpike Authority board battle with the governor.
Board members Jordan Levy and Christy Mihos recently voted to postpone scheduled toll hikes that were supposed to help pay for the "Big Dig," a huge tunnel project in Boston. Acting Governor Jane Swift was furious and demanded they step down. When the two refused, last week she fired them.
Levy and Mihos, however, ignored the firing and continued with their meeting Friday. Chairman David Forsberg said the meeting was unconstitutional and left. But Levy and Mihos continued with the meeting. They then voted to double commercial tolls for the Boston Harber tunnels and to reinstate tolls in West Newton, which were removed by then-Governor William Weld five years ago.
Turnpike chief counsel Peter Petergast said that under state law government independent authorities, the two could not be summarily fired. Swift's lawyer, however, said the board meeting Friday was invalid. The legal stalemate will likely end up in court. The toll increases voted on Friday may require public hearings before they can be implemented.
Board members Jordan Levy and Christy Mihos recently voted to postpone scheduled toll hikes that were supposed to help pay for the "Big Dig," a huge tunnel project in Boston. Acting Governor Jane Swift was furious and demanded they step down. When the two refused, last week she fired them.
Levy and Mihos, however, ignored the firing and continued with their meeting Friday. Chairman David Forsberg said the meeting was unconstitutional and left. But Levy and Mihos continued with the meeting. They then voted to double commercial tolls for the Boston Harber tunnels and to reinstate tolls in West Newton, which were removed by then-Governor William Weld five years ago.
Turnpike chief counsel Peter Petergast said that under state law government independent authorities, the two could not be summarily fired. Swift's lawyer, however, said the board meeting Friday was invalid. The legal stalemate will likely end up in court. The toll increases voted on Friday may require public hearings before they can be implemented.
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