Senator Fuschillo and Senator Zeldin Oppose Mayoral Control of Mta

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick), Chairman of the New York State Senate’s Transportation Committee, and Senator Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), a member of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, today announced their strong opposition to a proposal to have the Mayor of New York City have control over the MTA.

     “It is obvious that there is an election for the Mayor of New York City because the silly season is upon us. Residents from the suburban communities outside New York City pay a heavy financial burden to the MTA, and they would be disenfranchised under this proposal. For the position of the Mayor of New York City to have control over the MTA is simply absurd,” said Senator Fuschillo.

     "On behalf of the residents of my Suffolk County Senate District, I must voice some concern with a proposal for Mayoral control of the MTA. The major concern I have is that the Mayor is not elected with the input of my constituents so this proposal increases the risk of higher fares and reduced services for MTA users outside of the five boroughs to balance the MTA's books. Mayoral control reduces the power of riders in my community who use the LIRR because they do not have a voice in mayoral elections. Additionally, my constituents are saddled with many taxes to subsidize MTA users even if they don't use the MTA's services. If an employer or home buyer is going to be taxed as equals with NYC businesses and residents, we should at least have a say in MTA operations as equals. Personally, I believe the MTA can be run more efficiently but never at a disproportionate detriment to my constituents," said Senator Zeldin.