Petition to Fight Bridge Tolls Goes Online

While around Portsmouth and Tiverton last week (collecting thousands of signatures), there's a new way to protest proposed plans for . 

Two online petitions have been published on Change.org. 

One petition, entitled "Stop Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority" and created by Lena Korovina of Providence, had 79 supporters as of Monday morning and a number of comments, including this one here from Jonathan K. of Cranston: 

RI has enough revenue from the gas tax to cover the bridges in the state. RIPTA bus lines should be a self revenue program giving all gas tax to state bridges. RI needs to understand that they must do more with less like most of it's residents have had to with the tax increases and poor economy this state has due to it's horrible business environment.

To view or sign this petition, click here. 

Jim Lipe of Tiverton also started a second petition, entitled "Stop the Sakonnet River Bridge and Route 24 Toll." This petition had 15 signatures as of noon Monday.

To view or sign this petition, click here.

Protests against the bridge tolls are gaining momentum on Aquidneck Island and in nearby Tiverton. On Friday, about outside Clements' Market against the tolls. 

Rally organizer Jeanne Smith told talk show host and former Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci she's collected "thousands of signatures." Smith plans to present her petition to the governor and state legislators. 

On Tuesday, the Portsmouth Town Council will also hear a proposal for a resolution, recommended by Councilor Judi Staven. The resolution, according to the agenda, would oppose "the State’s Decision to Place a Toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge and Support for the Petition Drive." 

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall. The regular meeting was postponed a day due to the V-J holiday.