Let me be clear, I do not support tolls for Connecticut residents.

I know from meeting with voters across our district that they don’t either. However, many have shown interest in examining whether our state can toll out-of-state vehicles.

On October 10th, Patch published an article covering various issues important to voters in the 69th District. You can read the full article here: [Patch.com](https://patch.com/…/edelson-says-interstate-84-traffic…).

In the article, here is what I said on the topic of tolling: “From what I know, I would have supported tolls as a way to generate money for highways. Tolls confined to people out of state who are just traveling Connecticut and using our roads.”

“I think the technology is there to do that,” Edelson added in an interview with Patch.com. “[It] would be legally difficult. [We should] take a very hard look at that.”

My point was unambiguous – I am only open to exploring tolls for out-of-state drivers who contribute to wear and tear on our roads without paying any Connecticut taxes. This addresses what is known as the “free rider” problem. Why should Connecticut residents shoulder the entire cost of our roads while out-of-state drivers pay nothing? I believe this is worth considering.

My opponent chose to take my words out of context, cherry-picking the phrase, “I would have supported tolls as a way to generate money for highways,” without including the rest of my explanation. He also made other deceptive points, but the main thrust of his recent mailer was on the tolling issue.

Mr. Buchsbaum’s choice to distribute this misleading and divisive mailer shows a disappointing lack of integrity. This kind of negative campaigning has no place in our community. His campaign signs point to his “experience, character, commitment,” but I believe this latest tactic falls short on all three.