Connecticut Candidates on the Issues - Michael Fedele (R)
1. Former ConnDOT Commissioner Joseph Marie embraced a transportation policy that prioritizes existing road and bridge maintenance over construction of new highways. TSTC supports this approach, called fix-it-first, because it focuses transportation dollars on our existing road and bridge assets, stops the endless cycle of highway construction followed by sprawling development patterns which is the driving force behind congestion in our region, improves our road and bridge conditions, and offers more transportation choices. Do you support a fix it first policy that prioritizes maintenance and repair of existing highways and bridges over construction of new highways?
Yes, fix-it-first and making sure that we make our existing highway system as safe and efficient as possible should be the first priority. Safety and efficiency improvements and expansion within the footprint of existing roads is the best way to improve our highway system, particularly in a highly developed state like Connecticut where it is difficult to construct new roadways. Projects like “speed lanes” on I-95 are an example of increasing safety, efficiency and capacity without costly new construction.
2. Poor land use decisions often cause, or increase, transportation problems throughout Connecticut. Pursuing development further and further away from downtowns and main streets foster our reliance on the automobile and limit other transportation choice for Connecticut’s residents. What measures would you propose to mitigate transportation problems caused by poor land use decisions?
Creating as many inter-connected transportation options as possible will encourage transit-oriented development and discourage development that is not geographically convenient to roads and public transit. People want to live near public transportation options, but Connecticut has lagged behind some of its New England counterparts in improving and expanding public transit options. The DOT’s long-range plan and the Transportation Strategy Board’s plan are both good planning documents that balance our transportation needs with realistic options regarding land use.
3. Public transportation service is an integral component of Connecticut’s economic strength and environmental well being. Since 2005, ridership on Metro-North Rail Road and Shore Line East has increased by 11% and 45%, respectively. Ridership on bus service throughout the state is up 15% over the same time period. Given these trends, what would you do to increase existing public transportation capacity in Connecticut?
I support and would continue the significant investments already begun in our rail lines, rail stations, rail parking and bus service. We cannot wait 30 years between major investments in public transportation, as was done on the New Haven line. I support the New Haven to Hartford to Springfield line and I believe we should ensure connecting service to Bradley airport. We need to continue the infrastructure investments to our rail lines, include signalization and catenary projects.
4. Increasing capacity on existing transit service is only one way to support transit. Another is expanding transit service to underserved areas. Two ways Connecticut is currently looking to expand transit service is through implementation of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield commuter rail project and the New Britain-Hartford Bus Rapid Transit project, both projects that Tri-State Transportation Campaign supports. If elected, what measures would you take to expand transit service to underserved areas of Connecticut?
I support both projects mentioned above and believe we should look at additional expansions, on a prioritized basis, such as bringing service into Rhode Island on Shoreline East and to planning for a one-seat ride from Harford to NYC and to Washington, DC. In areas where rail service is not feasible, we should expand bus options to increase public transit options.
5. Resources for transportation systems are extremely limited at the local, state and federal levels. Connecticut’s Statewide Transportation Fund is set to run a deficit by 2011. What would you do to make the Transportation Fund solvent and ensure sustainable transportation funding for Connecticut’s transportation needs?
We must stop raiding the Special Transportation Fund every time there is a shortfall in the General Fund. I support a mechanism to ensure that STF dollars are used only for transportation projects.
6. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which is maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 107 pedestrians and 15 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes in Connecticut from 2006-2008. According to the League of American Bicyclists, Connecticut is the 40 th ranked bicycle friendly state in the country, faring particularly poorly in the organizations’ infrastructure availability and enforcement categories. Connecticut has made strides to improve safety for all users of Connecticut’s roads through the passage of the Complete Streets bill of 2009 which mandates the incorporation of pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure whenever a road is reconstructed, built or repaired. However much remains to be done. What measures would you propose to reduce these fatalities and injuries and encourage bicycling and walking as viable transportation options in the state?
The Complete Streets bill will help, but education and engineering are two basic ways to increase safety. While pedestrian and cycle access should be incorporated wherever possible to increase access, we need to change motor vehicle driver behaviors through education and awareness programs and we need to have more dedicated bike and pedestrian lanes.
7. Please provide a brief overview of what your transportation priorities will be if elected Governor.
To keep our existing highway and bridge infrastructure in a state of good repair (Fix-it-First), to expand our roadways within existing transportation corridors where feasible, to ensure a stable funding stream for road, rail and other public transportation investments, to realize the NH-HTFD-Springfield line and other rail infrastructure improvements, to achieve the full potential of Bradley airport and our other air and sea ports.
8. Finally, please tell us whether you support or oppose the following transportation related policies or legislation (Candidates were given the options Strongly Support, Support, Oppose, Strongly Oppose, and Don't Know):
Vulnerable User Legislation
This bill would help protect pedestrians, cyclists, first responders outside of their vehicles, equestrians and other non-motorized users of the State’s roadways by enhancing penalties for careless driving. Currently, punishment is rarely applied unless alcohol, drugs or a hit and run is involved, and this legislation would enact new penalties for careless drivers when they injure or kill a vulnerable user. If elected, would you support this legislation?
Strongly Support.
Some form of congestion pricing or tolling on Connecticut’s roadways
Connecticut’s Special Transportation Fund is set to run a deficit in 2011 and congestion causes untold pollution and nearly $700 million in economic losses to the state. As Governor, would you support some form of tolling or congestion pricing as a way to mitigate congestion and generate revenue for the state’s transportation coffers?
Oppose, because I believe there are better ways to achieve a stable funding stream for transportation investments than tolling. I would support further studies of HOT lane options, because HOV lanes are so underutilized in our state.
Greater funding for pedestrian, bicycling and transit access infrastructure projects
From 2006-2008, 122 pedestrians and cyclists were killed on Connecticut’s roadways. Of the pedestrian fatalities in Connecticut, nearly 66% of fatalities occurred within a quarter mile of a bus line and a half a mile of a rail station. Seniors are disproportionately impacted, accounting for over 40% of pedestrian fatalities while only comprising 17% of Connecticut’s total population. If elected would you support the establishment of a Safe Routes to Transit and a Safe Routes for Seniors program?
Strongly Support.
Red light camera enforcement
Red light cameras are active in over 100 communities and 17 states. Connecticut has considered implementing red light cameras for several years. Studies throughout the United States have shown reductions in crashes upon implementation of red light cameras, yet the Connecticut General Assembly has yet to enact a similar program. If elected, would you support the establishment of a red light camera pilot program?
I would support further analysis of red light cameras. I believe we should explore all possible options for increasing safety – however, I do have concerns about privacy issues with this particular technology.
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