Knucklehead Award Friday Part Eleven

Our eleventh winner is The Orlando Expressway Authority. They get the award for the following.

The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority is moving ahead with plans a toll increase -- the first in 15 years.

The board approved setting up three public meetings next month to explain the need for an increase and to get feedback on the best way institute a new toll. It might be 25-cent increase for all users, for cash customers or during certain peak times.

All five members of the agency's board supported the idea that expressway may have to raise tolls by as much as a quarter to continue to meet the transportation demands of the growing region. Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, however, raised several issues about the need to "restore the public's trust" for the toll agency that has been hit with controversy before charging commuters more money.

Crotty said that a toll increase may be justifiable, but commuters must first understand the need and also trust the authority to use money properly.

Crotty previously expressed concern that the agency's Chairman Allan Keen approved a financial arrangement with political agitator and toll opponent Doug Guetzloe without the board's approval. The arrangement resulted in payments of $107,500 for a two- page report on why people dislike tolls.

Earlier this week, Guetzloe was convicted of a misdemeanor election violation and sentenced to 60 days in jail, three months of probation and $7,500 in fines.

The Expressway Authority has a serious credibility problem at present. and has recently undergone an audit. It would only be appropriate if it waited for the audit result but no this is Florida where the government usually puts the cart in front of the horse.

Orlando Sentinel Columnist Mike Thomas compares the toll increase to Enron making another stock offering. LOL but I wouldn't go that far. I will however make The Orlando Expressway Authority today's eleventh Knucklehead of the day.

Linked to- Third World County, Bright & Early,