SEBASTIAN — Fresh from a primary victory the previous day, incumbent District 16 State Sen. Thad Altman appeared before the Sebastian City Council Aug. 27 to express appreciation for Sebastian “stepping up” to support him in seeking an opinion from State Attorney General Pam Bondi concerning All Aboard Florida.
Sen. Altman seeks Bondi’s opinion as to whether certain language in the lease agreement between the Central Florida Expressway Authority (Orlando/Orange County) and All Aboard Florida imposes a special “tax” on residents of Brevard and Indian River counties by requiring residents driving to Orlando to pay tolls on the Orlando Expressway; and whether it is a “disincentive to future stops or depots in Brevard or Indian River County.
“This turns sound transportation planning on its head (by) taking away our voice in the planning process.”
Altman asserts that the contract benefits only the Expressway Authority and All Aboard Florida while “punishing” Brevard and Indian River counties. He expressed disappointment with Brevard County leaders whom, he says, “don’t seem that concerned” about the AAF issue.
“You are the first to step forward,” he told the Sebastian City Council, referring to the resolution of support City staff prepared at the request of Council.
“We’re known for leading the way,” said Council member Andrea Coy.
