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[JHeath]

I spoke with State Rep. Pelath about this. He told me that he had received one, but promptly threw it into the garbage. His response was similar to that of Rep. Dvorak...wondering who would be foolish enough to actually use it.

http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/19622409.html

Free i-Zoom passes given to legislators Save Email Print

Posted: 11:13 PM Jun 6, 2008
Last Updated: 12:43 AM Jun 7, 2008
Reporter: Erin Logan
Email Address: erin.logan@wndu.com
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Free i-Zoom passes given to legislators
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Free rides on the Indiana Toll Road?

Many Hoosiers say they could only wish, but a select group was actually mailed i-Zoom transponders that would let them drive for free.

Some of them were the same people who voted to lease the toll road, which ultimately led to increased tolls.

Even the folks who received the freebies were shocked when they checked their mailboxes.

The Australian-Spanish consortium that leased the Indiana Toll Road sent letters to all 150 legislators telling them they could use the toll road for free for work purposes.

We know 38 northern Indiana legislators also received the transponders. Some of them mailed it back and some of them tossed it in the trash.

State Representative Ryan Dvorak immediately sent a letter back to the company that leases the toll road.

He says, “I'm a taxpayer as well and should have to pay tolls as well. They said it's our understanding that it's customary for legislators to receive passes to use on official business. I checked around. I guess maybe a long time ago -- ten years ago -- the state gave a pass for state officials to use.”

In fact, Republicans who voted in favor of leasing the toll road tell us they didn't accept the pass.

State Representative Jackie Walorski of Lakeville said thanks, but no thanks.

Constituents say that was a good answer.

Eric Lax says, “It just adds up the more you use it, you know. It's just way too high. Then leasing it out to someone else just made it higher.”

State Senator Joseph Zakas of Granger sent his back in the mail. He says, "We need to live under the laws and conditions that our constituents do. I thought this was out of bounds."

Tim Mitchell says, “That never happens. That's a good thing if they're denying the free pass. That’s cool.”

State Representative Marlin Stutzman of Lagrange says, "When we voted on that, we allowed it to be used by fire police and officials like that.”

The lease agreement does point out vehicles not subject to tolls. We showed Dvorak, who says state legislators don't fall into any of those categories.

He says, “I didn't think anyone would be foolish enough to use it.”

According to the Indianapolis Star, State Representative Dick Dodge of Pleasant Lake said he did plan on using it, but he hasn’t yet.