Grain Valley, MO, August 2, 2007 – The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) spoke up today in support of two U.S. Representatives from Pennsylvania accused of being “irresponsible” for their opposition to the tolling of interstate highways.

A letter was sent to Turnpike Commission CEO Joseph Brimmeier, making it clear that OOIDA did not appreciate his claims that U.S. Representatives John Peterson (R) and Phil English (R) were more concerned about re-elections than the financial interests of their constituents.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority has recently asked the federal government for approval to toll the 311-mile Interstate 80 that runs through Monroe and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania. Reps. Peterson and English initiated legislative measures in Congress to prevent the plan.

“Mr. Brimmeier’s accusation that the Congressmen have flip-flopped on the tolling of I-80 is completely without merit and blatantly disingenuous,” said OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer.

The Association has long stood against the imposition of tolls on existing, non-tolled interstate highways, including those in Pennsylvania. Officials at OOIDA were well aware of the history of previous legislation related to the tolling matter and the stances taken by the representatives.

“We know Congressmen Peterson and English stood up for the people of Pennsylvania back then to stop tolls from being forced onto I-80 and they are standing in opposition again,” stated Spencer in the letter. “They deserve our strongest support.”

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the greater Kansas City, Mo., area. The Association currently has more than 154,000 members from all 50 states and Canada.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The full text of the letter from OOIDA to the PA Turnpike is attached below.

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