Rendell pressing to lease turnpike

Governor Rendell almost sounds like Milton Friedman is his arguments for a Turnpike Lease in the Philadelphia Inquirer (well, not quite, but at least he recognizes the folly of the Turnpike Commission proposal to keep control in government hands):

Rendell yesterday gave short shrift to the Turnpike Commission plan, saying it would not raise enough money and would be less efficient than a private operator. And Rendell said he opposed putting tolls on roads that are now free.

He was also critical of the Turnpike Commission's reputation for nepotism in hiring: "They've got a lot of cousins and uncles and aunts working there." A private operator, he said, would have fewer workers and benefits. ...

He acknowledged that tolls will increase under private management, but he said maintenance will be better.