On Monday, April 23, 2012 the NC Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Transportation met in Raleigh. Rep. Tim Spears (Democrat, Washington County) proposed legislation to repeal any new or increased ferry tolls.  Endorsed by vote of the Committee, this proposed legislation will be presented to the NC General Assembly when it convenes on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. 

Rep. Spear’s excellent plan received the support of House Democrats and House Republicans.  Thanks to Rep. Spear and the Representatives who supported his efforts to cancel the ferry tax.   A spokesman for NC House Speaker Thom Tillis acknowledged coastal residents’ concerns, and welcomed the Committee’s action.

Certain NC Senators on the Committee abstained from the vote on Rep. Spear’s proposal.  This is an indication the Senate is not yet persuaded of the gravity of our dilemma.

FOCUS YOUR COMMUNICATIONS ON THE SENATE:  Between now and Wednesday, May 16, 2012, please focus your efforts on NC Senators.  Urge all 50 NC Senators to protect coastal citizens and VOTE NO FERRY TAX.  Contact the NC Senators using the following link: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/members/memberList.pl?sChamber=Senate 

TRAVEL PLANS FOR 5/16/12 MUST BE COORDINATED IN EACH COUNTY:  Beaufort, Hyde, and Pamlico Counties have appointed Travel Coordinators for this bus trip:  Lisa White, Beaufort County, office (252) 946-0079, lisa.white@co.beaufort.nc.us; Megan Shaw, Hyde County, (252) 926-4373, cell (252) 542-0842, mshaw@hydecountync.gov; and, Jayne Robb, Pamlico County, (252) 745-3081, cell(252) 670-2084, jayne.robb@pamlicocounty.org.  If you are in Oriental, contact Larry Summers, (252) 675-0467, larsum@aol.com. 

If you would like to ride on one of the chartered buses, please contact one of these Travel Coordinators. They will have detailed information for you.  Please advise your County’s Travel Coordinators of your travel plans.  You do not have to ask permission, but rather provide your plans to them so we can have the big picture of how many will go to Raleigh on Wednesday, 5/16/12.  Thank you for working together to coordinate an effective demonstration when the NC General Assembly convenes on 5/16/12.

The Travel Coordinators will have detailed instructions and plans prior to the trip.  Give them your contact information, including email and mobile phone.

Plan now to travel to Raleigh on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.  It is vitally important for you to be in Raleigh on the Opening Day of the 2012 Legislative Session of the NC General Assembly.  The Legislature convenes at 12:00 noon.  Please participate by coming to Raleigh and standing with us. 

YOUR ATTENDANCE MATTERS ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012!  Large attendance will define the ferry tax issue as one of the most important issues in this 2012 legislative session.  Please invite anyone who is interested to accompany us to Raleigh.

We must exercise our right to petition our government.  Freedom is not free.  We have won major skirmishes against this tax, but the battle is not over.  We must continue to fight to defeat the ferry tax.

Want more information?  Contact us.  We are here to help you.  We will be in Raleigh every week, as well as visiting legislators in their home districts.  Keep in touch.  Best regards, Henri and Joe