To see how far this area has gone downhill in the past 40 years, one only has to look as far as the New York State Thruway toll booths. At the end of every holiday weekend, the traffic jams of people trying to get out of the area are staggering. Take a look at all of the cars with out-of-state license plates. The lines at the toll booths are backed up for miles, especially the ones leaving the state.
Maybe our elected officials could stand there and conduct exit interviews while the drivers wait in line. They could ask such questions as why they left, where they moved to and, most important, what would make them come back.

When people approach the state line coming to New York, one of the first things they see is a sign saying: Toll booths, half mile. In other words: Welcome to New York and get out your cash!

JOE SACCO
Hamburg

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