By Mark Wozniak
Buffalo, NY – The Thruway Authority held a public hearing in Buffalo Tues night regarding proposed toll hikes.
Authority chairman Michael Fleischer says the two scheduled five percent increases this year and next are needed for highway and bridge maintenance.
But Jeff Williams of Lewiston, the only Western New Yorker on the Authority board, said he's not in favor of the increases.
"I'm probably going to vote against the increase because I don't believe they're necessary at this point," Williams said. "I believe the State of New York needs to take control of their expenses."
A recent state audit shows the Thruway authority could improve financial operations in many areas, before considering any toll hikes.