West Virginia legislator threatens "civil disobedience" to protest toll hike

West Virginia house delegate Cliff Moore (Dem - McDowell) wasn't able to get his way in the state legislature to block a toll increase on the West Virginia Turnpike, so instead he's threatening civil disobedience. He says he'll refuse to pay the higher toll and he'll block the toll lanes with his car.

According to the local Register-Herald newspaper delegate Moore says he's willing to go to jail to protest the planned toll increase from $1.25 to $2.00, the first raise in tolls since 1981. (CORRECTION: we erroneously had 1988 before)

He's quoted:

"I’m going to block the toll booth at Ghent with my car... I’m dead serious. I’m not joking. If somebody wants to join me, and I hope people do, I’m certainly willing to have them come along."

Moore also has in mind another unlawful act - refusing to pay the toll collector more than the old toll of $1.25 when asked for $2.00.

He's quoted: "I’m not paying any more. I’ve had enough."

COMMENT: This lawbreaking "lawmaker" deserves to get the book thrown at him - obstruction, incitement, conspiracy, public nuisance, whatever, and he should be billed for towing fees to a car dump in, say, Illinois - editor.

UPDATE: The board of the turnpike Authority is due to take a final vote on toll rates June 25.

TOLLROADSnews 2009-06-03