· November 12, 2012

Ohio Farm Bureau out against Turnpike privatization scheme

h/t to Plunderbund The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is asking members to contact Ohio Gov. John Kasich and their state legislators and express opposition to what is believed to be Kasich’s intention to move towards turnpike privatization. Innovation Ohio also opposes privatizing the turnpike. We believe it will lead to higher tolls, reduced maintenance or both. Estimates of what the turnpike would be worth to Ohio in terms of privatization has also been a moving target – and moving in the wrong direction. A few years ago, there were estimates that the turnpike could yield Ohio in the neighborhood of $5 billion. Latest numbers from the Kasich administration are today in the $1 billion range. Why on earth would the state make a deal when the market is depressed? Here’s what Farm Bureau member Al Divencenzo has to say on behalf of his farm and the organization regarding the turnpike: