What you do
Now is the time to dash off a note to Governor Perdue, Transportation Secretary Gene Conti, County Commissioners Joe Carpenter and Tracy Philbeck, and the new legislative leaders in Raleigh, Senator Kathy Harrington, House Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate Speaker Phil Berger. Tell them that in these hard economic times we would rather see the gap funding spent on critical transportation projects, not on a subsidy for well-connected developers. Remind them that 64% of Gaston County opposes construction of the Garden Parkway. You, your friends and relatives and all of Gaston County need to let these elected leaders know the state cannot afford to see any gap funding earmarked for the Garden Parkway.
Can the Road be Stopped?
Yes, but only if people get out and work together. One or two neighbors complaining that they don’t want to live next to an interstate highway won’t be enough.
What does it take to stop a road like this?
Stop the funding. The NC Turnpike Authority cannot build the road unless the state legislature backs the toll road to no where with the $35 million a year gap funding. Folks must show that the Toll Raod isn't wanted and the money would be best used on other projects.
Is there anything we can do?
Yes. Citizens need to write or call their elected officials and tell them that the Toll Road is an earmark piece of pork that is no good for Gaston County.
What can I do?
- Call the elected officials in Gastonia, Mecklenburg County and Raleigh. See below for a list and what to say. A three minute phone call is always more effective than an email, so call if you possibly can. Be firm, but be polite. At the end of the day, you are asking the elected official to do something that will require some courage, and being nice will get you a lot more than being rude.
- Send a letter to the editor of the Gaston Gazette, Charlotte Observer, Belmont Banner and Lake Wylie Pilot. Use your own words to explain how this is an expensive toll road that doesn't relieve congestion, goes no where and will significantly disrupt neighborhoods and businesses that have contributed to the fabric of our community for years. If you want ideas of what to write, feel free to peruse this site for ideas, but use your own words in the letters. All letters must include your name, phone number and address.
What should I say?
County Commissioners. Let them know that you are very troubled that the toll road will bring suburban sprawl and put more kids in our overcrowded schools, especially since Gaston County schools may lose 500 teachers, teaching assistants and other education jobs next year. Let them know that you aren't happy that the road is just going to suck out business from downtown. Tell them you aren't happy all this money would be spent and we would still have traffic congestion on I-85, US 74 and US 321. Click here for the list of County Commissioners.
Raleigh Representatives. Remind Kathy Harrington that she promised to stop the toll road. Let John Torbett and Bill Current know you are very unhappy that the toll road is a piece of pork for land speculators, developers and road builders. Tell Governor Perdue, Transportation Secretary Gene Conti, Senate Speaker Phil Berger and House Speaker Thom Tillis that in these hard economic times,t eh right thing to do is to spend $35 million a year on transportation projects that will really work for the community. We should not subsidize by building this road. Click here for the list of Raleigh representatives and their phone numbers.
Mecklenburg County. When calling the Mecklenburg County Commissioners and the Raleigh delegation from Mecklenburg, let them know that you are very upset that $35 million a year will be set aside for a toll road that doesn't even connect I-485 to I-85. This disrupts west Mecklenburg, serves no useful purpose for county citizens and the waste of funds is particularly upsetting given that the school budget is being cut back by $34 million and teachers are being laid off. Click here for the list of Mecklenburg County Commisioners. Click here for the list of Mecklenburg County Raleigh representatives and their phone numbers.
Selected Elected Officials
Governor Beverly Perdue governor.office@nc.gov (800) 662-7952Transportation Secretary Gene Conti gconti@ncdot.gov (919) 733-2520
Senator Kathy Harrington kharringtonforncsenate@gmail.com
Senate Speaker Phil Berger Phil.Berger@ncleg.net
House Speaker Thom Tillis Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net
County Commissioner Donnie Loftis donnieloftis@bellsouth.net 704-747-0340
County Commissioner Tracy Philbeck tracy@tracyphilbeck.com 704-617-3087
County Commissioner Joe Carpenter KINGSPINNACLE@aol.com 704-867-7716
County Commissioner Chad Brown chad.brown@co.gaston.nc.us 704-516-8017
County Commissioner Mickey Price mprice@co.gaston.nc.us 704-825-8280
County Commissioner Tom Keigher tomkcom@aol.com 704-864-2797
County Commissioner Allen Fraley afraley@carolina.rr.com 704-813-4830