I-80 toll meeting gets ugly in Bloomsburg

Apparently the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's "Peace Tour" isn't promoting much peace along the I-80 corridor. The Pocono Record reports that

Tempers flared again later when Joe Vaughan of Mifflinville asked turnpike officials how they could justify painting a "rosy picture" about tolling I-80 after hearing nothing but opposition last night and at past meetings.

"What gives you a right to question my integrity?" Turnpike CEO Joseph Brimmeier angrily replied.

"We pay your salary," one man shouted.

"You don't pay my salary," Brimmeier shouted back.

Brimmeier is sort of right, of course, because it is Turnpike users who currently pay his salary. But if the PTC gets permission to toll I-80, then Mr. Vaughn will very soon be contributing to Brimmeier's paycheck, pensions, and benefits.