Connecticut Candidates on the Issues - Tom Foley (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?
As Governor, my first step to address our state’s transportation needs will be to review all the proposed or partially completed transportation projects in every part of our state, and clearly articulate a strategy, plan, and funding priorities.
Transportation infrastructure is a critical component to achieving job growth. A long term transportation plan must take into account the needs of employers. I believe that we have invested too little in our transportation infrastructure, and even worse, the state does not make decisions based on a long-term transportation plan.
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?
My administration will work closely with towns and communities to develop infrastructure plans that make sense. Local control is one of the hallmarks of Connecticut government and the neighbors of potential infrastructure development should certainly have their say before permitting is allowed.
If elected governor, I will work with state, local, and federal officials to make sure local regulations are not ignored. It's also important to point out that Connecticut needs to have a working transportation infrastructure, for a variety of reasons, including business development. What has long been missing is a thoughtful transportation plan for the state that has the backing of the administration and the legislature.
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 believe that the right approach to resolving our state’s transportation needs is a comprehensive outlook. Not one method or mode of transportation is the answer, but a combination of well-maintained roads and public transportation that is accessible and reliable.
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?
Our state has been suffering from a lack of coherent planning. Before any decisions about specific projects are made, I will review all the proposed transportation projects in every part of our state, and clearly articulate a strategy, plan, and funding priorities. I agree that some areas of our state are under served, and if a proposed plan to expand transit service to those areas makes sense, we will be sure to support that project to completion.
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?
Unlike some of my opponents, I do not believe tolls are the answer. We do not have a revenue problem in our state, we have a spending problem.
Our state already has a plan to make the Transportation Fund solvent, but we have a lack of leadership in our state to stop the Transportation Fund from being raided by the legislature to pay for General Fund spending. As Governor, I will stop this practice and return the gas tax revenue to the Transportation Fund as it was intended to fund our transportation needs and maintain existing roads and bridges. Although I will not rely on federal funds for our state’s needs, I will be aggressive on behalf of our state and work with our Congressional delegation to get whatever federal money we can for Connecticut.
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 safety of our all our citizens is important, and I believe education can help improve awareness for everyone sharing the roads.
7. Please provide a brief overview of what your transportation priorities will be if elected Governor.
As Governor, my transportation priority will be to develop a strategy, plan, and funding priorities. We have a critical need to invest properly in our transportation infrastructure to help grow jobs in this state.
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?
I am willing to look at where this legislation is in the process and discuss it with the legislature, the Department of Transportation, and appropriate enforcement officials representing those who will be on the front lines of implementing the policy.
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?
Strongly Oppose. I am against tolls. In Connecticut, we already tax our citizens too much.
I believe state government has a responsibility to maintain essential public assets such as roads, but I believe this can be done without the use of tolls on our highways. As Governor, I will immediately move to eliminate loopholes that allow funds intended for investing in our transportation infrastructure to be used by the legislature for other spending. I am also committed to reducing the cost and size of state government, which means the budget will be focused on using the revenues we get more effectively by spending more responsibly.
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?
I do not know the answer to this question, but I would like to get more information and decide if an initiative like this makes sense for the people of Connecticut. I would like to learn about the experiences of other states and decide if it is relevant for our state. My overriding concern is how projects like this be funded when the state is facing a $3 billion budget deficit and towns are struggling as well?
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?
At this time, I am not sure if red light cameras are the right choice for Connecticut. I would not be in favor of a program with the intention of raising revenue for the state. I would consider such a program if there was no cost to the state or towns, and if it were part of a larger solution to reduce crashes in our state. Our state Department of Transportation should consider the lessons learned from other states on the feasibility of the program and then make a recommendation if it makes sense for Connecticut.
| 