The Oklahoman editorial board interviews Tim Gatz, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, who makes the case for construction of the new turnpikes included in the state’s “Driving Forward” initiative and for toll rate increases that will service the initiative’s $480 million in new bond debt. The editors note OTA “is public enemy No. 1 among some residents in eastern Oklahoma County” because of the proposed turnpike expansion, but they conclude, “Ultimately, however, the OTA’s new man in charge firmly believes this as well: ‘This is what we have to do. We’ve got to continue to make these kinds of investments and be forward-thinking.’”
