The two-year long battle to reverse the Assembly’s June 2012 decision to toll the Sakonnet Bridge came to an end on Friday June 20, 2014. I want to give Special thanks to all the civic organizations that formed the Sakonnet Tolls Opposition Platform (STOP): Committee. And to all their representatives, who attended meetings almost every Thursday for almost two years.
Also the Sakonnet Bay Retirement Living in Tiverton, for providing meeting space. The 31,333 signatures of a petition started by Jeanne and Jim Smith, in opposition to the toll, helping to rally the people of East Bay.    Jody Sullivan, executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce. All the people, that sent letters and e-mails, to there Representatives, Senators, and the General Assembly leadership.                      All of the East Bay Legislators worked hard to reverse this decision, with the exception of two Representatives from Newport and Jamestown.Â
Senator DiPalma of Middletown/Little Compton, working with Representative Jay Edwards of Tiverton/ Portsmouth, produced a statewide solution, providing for a Transportation Fund, producing increased funding for bridges, highways, and removal of the Sakonnet tolls. Finally: Speaker Mattiello and Senate President Theresa Paiva Weed, for passing Article 21.
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Come, be part of STOP’S: NO TOLL VICTORY PARTY, to thank our EAST BAY Representatives and Senators, for hearing us, at the Li’l Bear Restaurant, 983 Main Road, Tiverton RI., on July 19, 2014 from 1:30 pm to? It has been a long two years. Enjoy food, music, and fun. Cost: $5.00.
Thank you,                                                                                                                                                         Antone C. Viveiros Chairman,                                                                                                                      Sakonnet Toll Opposition Platform (STOP) Committee
