Angle: Let's Abolish the Bridge Commission

You may hate the idea of toll increases on Delaware River Bridges, but Northampton County Councilman Ron Angle is reserving his anger at the people behind it.

In fact, he wants them gone. 

At Thursday's county council meeting, Angle introduced a resolution -- which passed by a 5-4 vote -- in support of legislation in New Jersey that would abolish the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.

The commission earlier this week announced it would raise tolls on its bridges connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey from 75 cents to a $1, starting July 1.

"We have reached a juncture where we can't put off a toll adjustment any longer," Frank G. McCartney, the commission's executive director, said in a news release. "Further postponement of a toll restructuring would jeopardize the agency's credit rating, drive up borrowing costs, and undermine our ability to execute capital projects in a cost-effective manner."

The news has prompted at least one New Jersey lawmaker to talk about getting rid of the DRJTBC. And Angle -- who told his colleagues "I've detested the bridge commission for as long as I can remember" -- said it's time for the same thing to happen in Pennsylvania.

Angle's resolution simultaneously supports efforts in New Jersey to do away with the commission and asks Pennsylvania lawmakers to follow suit. He argues that the states could get rid of the DRJTBC and uses its funds to maintain the bridges.

But some council members expressed skepticism about the idea. Councilman Mike Dowd said the motion was premature.

"Often we find ourselves in a situation where it’s ready, shoot aim," he said.

And Councilman Thomas Dietrich said he didn't trust the states to maintain the bridges.

"If we took a vote of confidence on PennDOT…" he began.

"It wouldn't be there for me," Dowd added.