Democratic local officials opposed to leasing the Ohio Turnpike have announced they'll do their own study of whether it's a good idea.
The leaders from counties across northern Ohio said at news conferences in Cleveland and Youngstown yesterday that they're skeptical of an analysis planned by the state. They expect it will favor leasing, as proposed by Republican Gov. John Kasich.
Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti predicted that privatizing the turnpike would be a "total nightmare" resulting in potholes and dangerous lapses in plowing and maintenance.
Multiple news outlets report the Democratic elected officials also fear tolls would rise.
The Ohio Department of Transportation says the state study, by consulting firm KPMG, will impartially look at all the options for the turnpike.