Senator Espaillat Criticizes “Immature,” “Counterproductive” Remarks by MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota

“Focus on improving subway services, not taking on elected officials”

(New York, NY) – This morning, New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D – Manhattan/Bronx) released the following statement denouncing MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota’s recent remarks targeting State Senator Bill Perkins (D – Harlem).

“Commissioner Lhota should be focused on improving subway services, not taking on elected officials. Last I checked, it was part of the MTA commissioner’s job to collaborate, not pick fights with state legislators. Commissioner Lhota’s remarks in the New York Times are immature and counterproductive. Whether or not you agree with Senator Perkins’, or any other senator’s legislation, it’s inappropriate to level personal attacks, instead of focusing on the issues.

“I urge Commissioner Lhota to offer Senator Perkins an apology and get back to work, fixing the MTA.”

- Senator Adriano Espaillat