Politics & Government
Mayor Hruby the New Chairman of the Ohio Turnpike Commission
The mayor received the appointment last week.
Mayor Jerry N. Hruby said he is “really looking forward” to serving on the Ohio Turnpike Commission, an appointment he received from Gov. John Kasich late last week.
The governor’s office announced the appointment on June 30, according to a press release. Hruby said the other members of the commission elected him chairman the following day.
“It’s a great challenge,” he said.
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Hruby has an extensive background in transportation issues to bring to the commission, having served on councils and committees like the Transportation Review Advisory Council and the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency over the years. He said he also brings the perspective of a mayor who has the turnpike running through the city he governs.
He said he has already received a lot of questions about the governor’s interest in leasing the turnpike to a private company. The new state budget allows that, and a fact sheet including some details on the idea can be found on the governor's website.
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Hruby said that he believes in the concept and would like to learn more details. But the decision is up to the legislators and the governor, he said.
According to a column in The Plain Dealer noting Hruby’s appointment, the commission would be responsible for helping with the transition to a private operator.
Hruby said the commission appointment will require him to attend one meeting per month and keep in contact via email and phone the rest of the time.
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