Even Fossella supported a similar plan to Harrison's

Now isn't this interesting? It seems Rep. Vito Fossella , in his haste to criticize Stephen Harrison's proposal to eliminate tolls and alleviate this unnecessary aggrevation on constituents, failed to realize that just a few years ealier he promoted the same plan Harrison has put forth.

Stephen Harrison's plan;

My plan is a comprehensive one calling for the elimination of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge toll for all residents of Staten Island (and the residents on the Brooklyn side of the congressional district), as well as the installation of high speed E-ZPass for nonresidents to speed traffic flow.

Fossella's response, via the SI Advance;

Fossella's camp dismissed Harrison's idea as unlikely, but Harrison said he thinks it could work, and would rather be known for his willingness to dream big rather than continue to saddle Staten Island and Brooklyn commuters with one of the nation's highest bridge tolls.

via Port Authority press release

U.S. Representative Vito Fossella said, “Staten Islanders want solutions to reduce the traffic congestion that is clogging our local roads, highways and bridges. The only way we are going to solve this problem is by utilizing new technologies and exploring innovative ideas. Highway-speed E-ZPass will improve traffic flow on Route 440 and on the bridge itself, reduce congestion and increase convenience for many Staten Island motorists. I am delighted to have secured $350,000 for this important traffic improvement project and thank the Port Authority for their commitment to enhancing commuting for Staten Island motorists using the Outerbridge Crossing.”

So Fossella thought this was a good plan before he thought it was a bad plan?


Oh, and Gov. Pataki supports the same concept.