http://66.225.205.104/JR20080818a.mp3
Easley says no to larger boats on roads By Julie Rose Governor Easley has capsized an attempt by state lawmakers to allow bigger boats on North Carolina roads. To justify his veto, Easley conjured frightful images of oversized boats colliding with school buses and semis on narrow roads. The measure would have increased to 9.5 feet the acceptable width for a boat being towed on state roads. And it would have allowed the towing to happen on nights and weekends, which is currently forbidden. Gaston County Representative William Current co-sponsored the measure. He says the safety concerns are legitimate, but believes drivers would be careful enough to manage it. "You know those boats are not inexpensive and if I were towing an investment like that, I would be extremely careful. So I just came down on the side of the citizens of North Carolina that wanted an opportunity to go and enjoy our coast or what-not and be able to get back and go to work." Easley urged lawmakers to take up the measure again in January when they have more time to consider possible consequences.