July 14, 2008 - 12:06pm
Commonwealth Foundation puts up billboards touting lease
By Alex RoartyThe Commonwealth Foundation has added another layer to its well-funded PR campaign to sway public opinion in favor of leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike -- billboards.
Three billboards, two along the turnpike and one in Harrisburg, will tell motorists to visit TurnpikeFacts.com, a Web site created by the foundation to explain why it thinks leasing the turnpike is a better option than tolling Interstate 80.
The billboards are in addition to radio ads, millions of direct-mailings and Internet advertisements on several state politics blogs the Commonwealth Foundation has already purchased.
The PR push comes as the turnpike lease proposal seemingly stands on its last legs. State Rep. Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny County), the House Transportation Committee chairman, said earlier this month that the lease is dead.
But Nate Benefield, director of policy research, said he thinks the support of Gov. Ed Rendell and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) means Markosek can't unilaterally kill the idea.
"The idea he's going to single-handedly kill it is tough talk," Benefield said. "Eventually, he's going to have to bring it for a vote."
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Wally Edge
Pennsylvania has been getting plenty of attention, clean coal, natural gas, front row seating at the convention and now the state should get a huge ... >
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PA infrastructure
Instead of crushing the turnpike, maybe people should keep the real issue on mind, PA infrastructure. If crushing is needed, perhaps we should look to our own house and senate.
Commonwealth Foundation Board Members?
Commonwealth Foundation board members include Pat Toomey, Bill Scranton and Glenn Meakem they're either running for governor or lining up behind people running for governor....
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