What people are saying

Ohio Chamber President & CEO Andy Doehrel:
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce commends Gov. Kasich for working with and listening to citizens, elected officials and business leaders to determine how best to make use of the economic potential of the Ohio Turnpike. The turnpike is a critical transportation asset for our state and it's clear that the necessary time was taken to consider all of the available options. A strong transportation system is key to our state's economy, and Gov. Kasich's innovative plan will ensure that we have the infrastructure in place to meet the demands of Ohio's job creators.

Gary Tiboni, President of Teamsters Local 436, (represents 688 Turnpike employees):
“On behalf of our members, I personally endorse Governor Kasich’s Turnpike proposal. The governor got it right. It keeps my people working.”

Patrick Sink, Ohio Operating Engineers Business Managers:
“Deriving income from the sale of bonds will keep the turnpike ownership in the hands of Ohioans, after all, we (all Ohioans) are the caretakers of this state. Thank you, Governor Kasich.”

Chris Runyan, president of the Ohio Contractors Association:
"The governor listened to the people of Ohio," Runyan said. "He did what he said he would do at the beginning of this process – gather as much data as possible, study it carefully, and reach decisions that are best for all Ohioans."

Runyan said his membership, which includes contractors in all regions of the state, is excited about the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike Commission (OTC) working cooperatively together to address the state's infrastructure problems.

"Being able to have these two agencies work collectively to address transportation issues is a huge step forward for the state," Runyan said. Under the governor's plan, the OTC will remain an independent agency, but the two agencies have pledged to work collaboratively on projects outside the OTC's traditional role.

Larry Davis, Ohio Trucking Association President:
"I'm gratified that as a trade association representing a major user of the turnpike, we have had many opportunities to voice our concerns with the Ohio Turnpike Commission, ODOT, KPMG, and the Governor's Office," said OTA President Larry Davis. "They listened to us and that means a lot."
"We have a top‐notch turnpike now with a stable and fairly predictable funding source," Davis said. "It makes more sense to leverage the value of what we already have to better our state's roads and bridges than to roll the dice on an outside operator who may not have the best interests of efficient transportation in mind."

Bill Graves, President and CEO, American Trucking Association:
“Gov. Kasich’s plan is a much more responsible approach to infrastructure funding than taking a one-time payment and surrendering control of a valuable corridor to a private group, this new plan will almost certainly avoid steep increases in freight transportation costs, as well as the diversion of large trucks onto smaller secondary roads that privatization would have produced. We are grateful to the Governor for his willingness to work with the Ohio Trucking Association to find a solution that is fair to the trucking industry.”

Fredrick B. Pausch, Executive Director, County Engineers Association of Ohio:
“the news of Gov. Kasich’s plan for the Ohio Turnpike sounds like a unique opportunity to leverage one of our transportation gems in the right way, ‘the Ohio Way.’”

County engineers across northern Ohio from Williams County to Mahoning County were engaged with Gov. Kasich and ODOT Director Jerry Wray giving feedback on future plans with the turnpike.

“We are experiencing declining revenue of the state gas tax due to less driving and more efficient cars,” said Pausch. “Couple that with an unclear federal picture to secure additional funding in the future, and you can see that we have a real problem.”

Fulton County Recorder and Ohio Turnpike Commission Member Sandy Barber:
"We're very excited about the governor's plan and I am personally very pleased about the partnership being forged by the Ohio Turnpike Commission and the Ohio Department of Transportation, which will benefit residents along the turnpike corridor and all Ohioans," said Fulton County Recorder Sandy Barber, who is also a member of the Ohio Turnpike Commission. "This plan is going to help create new jobs and I like that the funding will help maintain Ohio's transportation system as well as allow us to continue making improvements."

Glenn M. Broska, Mayor, The City of Streetsboro:
“I am very pleased with Governor Kasich’s recent decision concerning control of the Ohio Turnpike.  As the Mayor of the City of Streetsboro, a community that relies heavily on the Turnpike to bring jobs, commerce and people to the community, the health of the Turnpike is of paramount concern.  With control retained by the Turnpike Commission, we have guaranteed that our Turnpike will continue to be a safe, efficient, and well maintained highway. I also believe that the Governor’s decision will assist in our collective long term goal of recruiting strong business and more jobs to our State and local communities.  The Governor’s decision calls for use of toll revenues to enable Ohio to sell bonds to be used to improve Northern Ohio’s roadway system.  Improved roadways will make Ohio more attractive to business and industry.  And this in turn, will markedly increase local opportunity for jobs and commerce.”

Brian Davis, Commissioner, Williams County:
“For residents of Williams County, the future of the Ohio Turnpike is of utmost importance.  The Turnpike is woven into the fabric of our county and is an important asset for our economic development.  Governor Kasich honored his promise to carefully study the issue and listen to those of us in northern Ohio with a stake in the Turnpike.  We appreciate the Governor’s sensitivity to our concerns around truck diversion and preserving the economic competitiveness of our area.  This plan makes sense for Ohio and puts in place provisions to keep toll rates low, while leveraging as much money as possible for highway constriction in our area.”

Portage County Auditor Janet Esposito:
"With two turnpike exits in our county, the turnpike is extremely important to us and we are very pleased with the governor's plan since it preserves the integrity of the turnpike while at the same time will boost economic development," said Portage County Auditor Janet Esposito. "The freeze on local tolls is a great benefit to our residents. I'm very pleased to see ODOT and the Turnpike Commission working together for local residents and all Ohioans."

Dave Gillock, Mayor, North Ridgeville:
“Many residents of North Ridgeville and northeast Ohioans were holding their breathe today to hear about the Governor’s long awaited plan for the future of the Ohio turnpike.  It’s a home run!  The Kasich Administration listened to our feedback and arrived at the right place on how to make best use of the Ohio Turnpike.  This will allow us to significantly accelerate a few local projects that have long been stalled on the ODOT schedule of projects.  I’m pleased that politics could be set aside to reach a cooperative agreement that will help move Ohio forward.”

R.E. Greenlese, Member, Ohio Rail Development Commission:
“As a sitting commissioner on the Ohio Rail Development Commission, I applaud the results of the analysis regarding the future of the Ohio Turnpike. It is obvious that all parties have taken a very wise and calculated approach to preserving the transportation assets and infrastructure of our state. Gov. Kasich, ODOT Director Wray and the Turnpike Commission are to be applauded for their very far-sighted plan. The plans shows initiative and a very smart approach to long-range planning at a time when it is most needed. To include the Turnpike Commission in the mix is extremely wise and underscores a desire to be inclusive and innovative. My compliments to all and best wishes for a successful future.”

David Greenspan, Cuyahoga City Council Member:
“Tackling the Ohio Turnpike challenge is an historic victory for all Ohioans and not just those in northern Ohio.  Countless economic studies show that transportation investments without deficit spending create jobs”

“Job growth comes from a reliable transportation network that is fast and cost effective, and Governor Kasich’s plan to invest now, instead of paying later, is a long-term solution to a problem that would be a burden to localities in northern Ohio down the road.”

Jerry N. Hruby, Mayor, City of Brecksville, Chairman, Ohio Turnpike Commission:
“As the Mayor of the City of Brecksville and Chairman of the Ohio Turnpike Commission, I consider Governor Kasich's announcement today regarding the Ohio Turnpike Study in two very distinct ways.  As Mayor, I appreciate the fact that the Ohio Turnpike will continue to exist under the State of Ohio without a lease or sale.  I believe as a result, the quality and ridability of the highway and the efficiency of operation will continue and serve our communities at the level of service we are so very accustomed to.  As Chairman of the Turnpike Commission, I am so very pleased on behalf of our employees who should no longer fear the loss of their job, benefits and current working conditions.  I am also pleased for the Administration of the Turnpike who has done much in the past two years to make the system more efficient, cost effective and, certainly, dedicating itself to serving the public in the best possible way with the best possible services and facilities. 

As Chairman, I encouraged our Commission to refrain from being involved in commenting regarding the study process.  During the past year and a half there has been an overwhelming number of public officials and citizens who have expressed their concern to me that the Governor is not doing the best thing for the Ohio Turnpike and the State of Ohio.  I commend the Governor for his tenacity and his willingness to have an impartial, non-political review of the Turnpike and determine whether or not it would be in the State's best interest to lease, sell or realign the Turnpike under the Ohio Department of Transportation.  During the process and the outstanding work and review by Director Jerry Wray and the ODOT staff, the Governor made, what I believe to be, the best possible decision, and I thank him for not succumbing to the obvious critics who demonstrated little faith in the process and the Governor.  I commend the Governor for demonstrating great faith in the Turnpike and the future of the State of Ohio.  As both Mayor and Chairman of the Commission, and as a resident of Ohio, I am so very appreciative of the opportunities this decision affords our State in moving forward to maintain and construct highways, infrastructure, and for the tens of thousands of jobs that will be created or saved within the State of Ohio.  Had the Governor done nothing, the status quo and funding for highways would have continued and our infrastructure continue to crumble. 

I look forward to working with my colleague, Executive Director Rick Hodges of the Ohio Turnpike, the other members of the Ohio Turnpike Commission, the staff, all employees, and, of course, the Ohio Department of Transportation in overseeing the Governor's plan and all of the many benefits this State and its people will receive due to the excellent leadership of Governor John Kasich.”

Tom Humphries, President Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber:
“I believe the Mahoning Valley will benefit in several ways from the Governor’s announced plan to more effectively utilize the assets of the Ohio Turnpike.  Our priority road project for the Valley – the lane expansion of Interstate 80  in Mahoning and Trumbull counties– will be completed at a much accelerated rate. The turnpike itself will be significantly upgraded sooner than expected and local users will see tolls frozen for 10 years. I believe the governor listened to the concerns of Northern Ohio about the turnpike and responded in a very fair and sound manner.”

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson:
“I did speak to the Governor yesterday and I did say to him that his is the best outcome around a very anxious decision he that had to make. And a very potentially controversial decision around the turnpike. What he has done in his conclusion, really gives us the resources we need to invest in the infrastructure of the turnpike to insure its life. It gives us the ability not only to retain jobs, but to create additional jobs. And the funding that is so needed to move projects up that for were years away based on the shortage of funding at ODOT and move them up to a much closer date. So I think it’s a good decision, good process, good outcome, good decision, good for Cleveland, good for northeastern Ohio. Thank you Governor for this process and the outcome.”

Gary Lindgren, Executive Director, Cincinnati Business Committee:
Governor Kasich’s Turnpike proposal means more jobs and economic growth for Cincinnati. We have significant infrastructure needs in our region and across the state that will only be met through this type of innovative approach.

Tommie Jo Marsilio, Commissioner, Portage County:
“To my constituents, the future of the Ohio Turnpike is a real issue that cannot be punted down the road any longer and I commend Governor Kasich for taking this issue very seriously and listening to those of us who regularly use the Turnpike. I personally thanked the Governor today for his leadership on this issue and for his innovative thinking to best utilize our Turnpike asset.  Over the past year, we have had exhaustive conversations about how to best utilize Ohio’s Turnpike.  Unfortunately, sensitive state issues like these are often easy targets for political leaders looking to polarize Ohioans.  That is why I declined to support a statement in opposition being developed by Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald.  We need to work together to tackle the difficult issues facing our state. This plan is right for our area and gives us the competitive advantage we need to strengthen our jobs climate in northeast Ohio.”

Sen. Gayle Manning, North Ridgeville:
"Right out of the gate, I wasn't happy about leasing it. This might be a good compromise. It keeps the infrastructure how we like it, and yet we won't see other roads deteriorate."

Phillip L. Parker, President & CEO, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce:
"I commend ODOT for identifying new revenue opportunities to advance statewide infrastructure projects. As the Dayton Chamber works closely with businesses in southwest Ohio on expansion and relocation opportunities, it is critical that we have an efficient highway system. ODOT has proven that they are committed to identifying new and innovative revenue generating opportunities for statewide projects that do not over burden the Ohio business community."

Rep. Bill Patmon, D-Cleveland:
“It doesn’t just must make sense, it makes perfect sense. That we are now going to pay for our deficit in infrastructure using tolls, not taxes. Not increase anything, other than for those who are close to it we get on frozen rates goes up less. You can’t beat it, it makes perfect sense and for that I back this Governor on this project. Because I did make a public statement that if it made sense I would. So Governor you have my 100-percent backing on this one because it does make sense for the people of the state of Ohio.”

Tom Perciak, Mayor, Strongsville:
"The governor is proposing a plan that is the best of all possible options," said Strongsville Mayor Tom Perciak. "This will bring additional dollars to the region for major infrastructure improvements that are critical to economic development in the region. We greatly appreciate that those involved in this study reached out to us and listened to our ideas and concerns the plan reflects that."

Don Robart, Mayor, Cuyahoga Falls:
“The City of Cuyahoga Falls continues to pursue aggressive growth strategies with a strong vision for the future.  Our ideal location among a web of highways in NE Ohio plays a vital role in our growth strategy.  For this reason, I applaud Governor John Kasich’s plan for leveraging the Ohio Turnpike which will provide $1.5 billion to improve our aging transportation system and preserve our competitive advantage these highways provide.  His plan does this while keeping the Ohio Turnpike Commission intact, keeps tolls on the Turnpike amongst the lowest in the nation, keeps our local residents employed by the Commission, as well as rebuilds this important asset in the process.”

Joe Roman, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership:
“Commerce of Northern Ohio will get a big push from this.  [The governor’s] been sensitive to making sure that we respected the fact that this Turnpike is really built by Northern Ohioans.  In terms of where the money will go, you’ll respect whose paying the tolls…I think this is the model for how we’re going to get infrastructure projects done in the future.  I think it’s a great thing.”

David A. Taylor, Mayor, Amherst:
“Governor Kasich’s turnpike plan is definitely a positive pro-economic, pro-employment and pro-Ohio plan and a significant step toward expediting and financing our transportation projects.  The Governor’s team has again succeeded in moving our state forward.”

Rep. Lynn Wachtmann, Napoleon:
"Most of the people in Ohio want to see the turnpike administration stay the way it is. I think the governor is to be commended."

Dan White, President, Norwalk Furniture:
"As a businessman very interested in economic development in the region and the entire state, I'm extremely pleased with the governor's plan," said Dan White, president of Norwalk Furniture. "Living near the turnpike I am very much aware of the essential  role it plays in this region. The decision to preserve the integrity of the turnpike while also coming up with an innovative way to fund other critical projects should be applauded."

Commissioner Tom Williams Lorain County:
“I was pleased to see the Governor’s decision and I’m excited that transportation projects in our area will be accelerated -- especially at a time when economic development is critical to our county. I was glad to see that the Governor listened to our feedback and waited before making any decision until he gathered the thoughts from of all the stakeholders in northern Ohio.  It was nice to see such transparency in this process and I hope this sets the stage for how we can begin to address other critical issues facing our state. Ohio is leading by example and I look forward to working with the new commission.”

Donald L. Mader, American Council of Engineering Companies of Ohio:
“The plan proposed to the Kasich administration by KPMG offers us a unique opportunity to cut intothis backlog of unmet needs while preserving a valuable capital asset.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation is $1.6 billion short of what it needs to build what are considered to be top-priority highway projects, Mader noted. Several billion dollars’ worth of other badly needed projects in the planning stages will never be constructed unless the state can come up with innovative financing techniques such as that proposed in the KPMG study.

“This plan would allow Ohio to really improve its transportation system without raising taxes, which is important in this still-fragile economy,” Mader said. “Add to that the jobs that would be created, and we believe you have a plan that is very well thought-out and is simply too good to let pass by.

“We hope the Ohio General Assembly will approved this plan quickly,” Mader said.

Greg Hartman, Hamilton County Commission President:
“The citizens of Ohio are fortunate to have the forward thinking and leadership of Governor Kasich as we continue to improve Ohio’s economic climate and environment for job growth, a critical component of our economic recovery is transit-oriented development projects.  Today’s announcement is great news for Hamilton County’s growth and recovery.”

Todd Portune, Hamilton County Commissioner:
“[w]e will be able to leverage whatever dollars become available to us from this into private funding for P3 partnership programs.  I foresee our using these dollars and match funding into getting projects under contract and underway over the next four years in the I-75 corridor; Eastern and Freight Corridor Multi-modal programs; and the MLK interchange, just to name a few.  Every $1 Billion in transportation projects means 30,000 jobs for people in our region who desperately need the work.”

Rob Duncan, Mayor, Norwalk:
“After months of speculation about Governor Kasich’s intentions to use the Ohio Turnpike as a revenue generator, I’m pleased to see that he has chosen what I consider to be the wisest option.  That is, the Governor’s plan maintains the Ohio Turnpike as a public entity, and at the same time, uses the Turnpike’s tremendous earning potential to leverage additional bond monies for infrastructure improvements throughout northern Ohio, while ensuring that tolls will remain affordable.”