Letter to the editor: Thankful for truck drivers, turnpike

While traveling across the state on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on Thanksgiving day, I was surprised by the number of trucks on the road. While most of us were spending time with family, many truckers were working to deliver the goods that we all need and want. Without truckers, this country would grind to a halt. So, in addition to all of the things that we have to be thankful for, be sure to include truck drivers.

And speaking of the turnpike, when you have complaints about the excessive tolls, contact your bloated Legislature. They saw the well-run turnpike as a cash cow and enacted Act 44 to take money from the turnpike to use for PennDOT purposes. By doing this, they avoided having to raise taxes on the voting public for road construction, but it was at the expense of ever-increasing turnpike tolls.

In my career, I worked directly with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and found staff to be very fiscally responsible and professional in every way. Bids from multiple contractors were received on every project and analyzed for viability. And each project was scrutinized as to its necessity. The quality of the turnpike improves greatly every year due to these diligent employees and in addition, the drive across the state is full of beautiful Pennsylvania scenery.

Jack Sillaman

Latrobe