Its true higher tolls aren't good, but higher taxes are worse. According to the Governor, to meet the goal of reducing state debt and funding transportation projects for a generation - the following alternatives could be implemented.

Permanent 20% across the board income tax increase.

Permanent 30% increase in the sales tax

Gas tax increase of up to 50 cents per gallon

Cutting up to $5 billion from the state's budget.

The bottom line is that the plan, as it exists now, ensures that the burden is also borne by the over 50% of out-of-state drivers that use our toll roads, while any of the alternatives would solely impact New Jerseyans.

While this debate may ultimately result in a compromise that could include some of these, the fact is that we must keep in mind always the long-term goals of restoring fiscal sanity to this state through a reduction in debt.