Which is a better public policy: lease the operation of an existing tollroad to a private company, or start tolls on another road AND raise taxes? That's the lawmakers in Pennsylvania have faced of late. The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives says that informed voters prefer leasing, which will being in billions in payments to help address the needs of the state's road system.

State officials, on the other hand, have chosen a less wise path that won't adequately the needs.

But there's one benefit to rejecting the option of leasing and strengthening the hand of the turnpike commission: It provides plenty of opportunities for political patronage.

Says foundation president Matthew J. Brouillette: "Critical funding of our state's transportation infrastructure is now dependent on one of Pennsylvania’s most corrupt, patronage-laden, and inefficient government agencies."