Press Releases: 10/30/09 Legislators Iannello, Reynolds Call for a County Tax Abatement Law for Home Improvements 10/08/09 Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello News Release 09/30/09 Iannello Calls on County Executive to Include Tax Cut in Budget 08/26/09 IANNELLO APPOINTED CO-CHAIR OF THE NIAGARA ERIE REGIONAL COALITION BY LEGISLATURE CHAIR MARINELLI 08/07/09 LEGISLATOR IANNELLO DEFENDS PREVAILING WAGE VOTE

Michele M. Iannello - District 10 July 9, 2007 LEGISLATOR IANNELLO AND DEVELOPER PALADINO FORM NEW TOLL REMOVAL TEAM Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello (D-Kenmore) raised the level of her fight for removal of the tolls on the Grand Island Bridges announcing today that she and Developer Carl Paladino have joined in an effort to strengthen the cry for action in Albany. "The lack of response on the issue from Albany is not satisfactory. This public/private unified effort sends a message to Albany that Western New York is not a second cousin and will not give up its quest for equal treatment" stated both Legislator Iannello and Mr. Paladino. The continuation of these tolls is not only an UNFAIR TAX but is an INSULT to the residents of Grand Island and Western New York. There are 936 bridges in the thruway system maintained out of general revenue. Why are 3 bridges singled out for tolls? Grand Island bridge toll revenue for 2006 was $22M. From the $10.6M that was spent on maintenance in 2006, approximately $4M was spent for salaries and tollbooth maintenance. Even more unfair is that the NYS Department of Transportation is reimbursed by the Federal Highway Administration with Federal highway dollars for Thruway System lane miles and keeps the money. This is double taxation. Legislator Iannello emphasized that this is not about the 9 cents or 75 cents charged to the residents. This is just a plain insult to WNY residents who have to waste their valuable time sitting in line to pay these tolls, not only creating congestion and traffic back-ups, but causing hazardous emissions. Information forwarded to Governor Spitzer this week included a copy of a previously passed resolution by the Erie County Legislature from May of 2006, a copy of a previous letter hand delivered to the Governor from Legislator Iannello in November 2006, both calling for removal. Also included were, Mr. Paladino's letter and the information he received through his FOIA request. The astonishing FOIA information listed extensive benefits and perks offered to NYS Thruway Authority employees, including free E-Z passes for private cars and paid college tuition, all at taxpayers' expense. Mr. Paladino's successful effort in helping gain removal of the Ogden Street and Breckenridge tollbooths was supported by a law which provided for termination of toll collections in 1996. Although there is no law regarding the Grand Island Bridge tolls, the argument here is based on what appears to be an illegal act of "double dipping". Both the Legislator and Mr. Paladino stand united when they say: "A taxpayer's lawsuit and a complaint to the Federal Highway Administration cannot be ruled out." "We will do whatever it takes and we will not give up. I am seeking support from my fellow colleagues in County and State governments to join us in making our voices heard. I am optimistic that this unified team effort will draw the Governor's attention. Albany has ignored us for too long," stated Iannello. Back to District 10 Homepage