The conservative advocacy group the Maine Heritage Policy Center recently highlighted
the rising salaries of those working for the Maine Turnpike Authority, the
quasi-governmental agency that oversees the turnpike. MHPC cited data showing that in
2009, 74 employees earned $80,000 or more in salary and benefits, up from 43 in 2006.
MHPC’s OpenGov.org website lists the names of tollbooth attendants and their salaries;
most earn between $40,000 and $55,000. Should the state move to take over the MTA?
Would this achieve transportation efficiencies, so that if the turnpike is earning more in
tolls than it is spending, those funds can be used elsewhere in the state transportation
network? Or would DOT not run the turnpike any differently?