Colton Opposes MTA’s Fare Increase Proposals
Assembly member William Colton (D-Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) is denouncing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) proposed plan to increase subway fares.
Earlier this month, the MTA unveiled its ‘Proposed 2019 Budget and Four-Year Financial Plan,” that included two proposals for fare and toll adjustments as well as new sustainable revenue sources. One of the proposals recommends increasing fares from $2.75 to $3.00 while the other recommends taking eliminating “bonus value.” The bonus value refers to the additional value added to a MetroCard when more than a certain amount is added.
Colton sent a letter to MTA President Andy Byford detailing his grievances, including highlighting three critical improvement areas for the city’s transportation head to review.
“I am outraged with the fare increase proposal and I strongly oppose the MTA’s fare increase. First what the MTA must do is to gaze inside itself and stop wasting the taxpayer’s money. The MTA’s bureaucracy has had no accountability. It has been much disorganized, and that has to stop,” said Colton.
The MTA must ensure that wasteful past policies will be corrected. Any proposal for an additional infusion of monies to the MTA and NYCTA must include 1) Reforms of transparency in the governing structure, 2) Increased accountability in how such monies are spent and 3) a stop of the proposed fare increase. The fare increases have in the past have consistently caused a reduction in ridership. Before any fare increase is to be considered there must be a financial plan ensuring the MTA has a dedicated funding source, which includes how the money will be spent,” added Colton.
CM Williams Reacts To Nomination of Margaret Garnett for DOI Commissioner
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood), Deputy Leader, reacted yesterday to the nomination of Margaret Garnett to be the Commissioner of the Department of Investigation (DOI).
Earlier this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio nominated Garnett for the position after he fired the previous department head Mark Peters, citing Peter’s willful lying, misleading of government officials and abuses of power, according to Politico.
The DOI commissioner, charged with running the agency that independently investigates corruption and wrongdoing in city government, is the only mayoral department-head appointee that requires approval by the City Council.
Garnett currently serves as Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice in the Office of the New York State Attorney General, where she supervises more than 150 prosecutors and 130 criminal investigators while advising the Attorney General on criminal justice policy. Prior to her time with the New York State Attorney General, Garnett spent 12 years as a federal prosecutor in the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where she was responsible for prosecuting gang violence, racketeering, organized crime, violent crime, international terror and tax fraud.
“I have been very clear about my deep concerns regarding both the conduct of Mark Peters while he served as Commissioner and the circumstances and motivations surrounding his firing. As the sole abstention on his nomination, I believe that the role the Council has to advise and consent to the appointment of the new Commissioner is vital. In fact, I believe in revising the Charter we should consider creating similar powers related to any dismissal from that office. While the McGovern report laid out a host of failures, this should not be permissible to use as a cover in unilaterally removing him from the position,” said Williams.
“The next Commissioner has a mandate to address these department issues head-on. In reviewing her history and testimony at today’s hearing, it is clear Margaret Garnett is extremely qualified to take over the office and that mandate,” added Williams.
Brannan Announces Bill Providing Arabic Speaking Services At Poll Sites
City Council member Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) will announce today the introduction of legislation that would provide Arabic speaking services at poll sites.
The measure would would require the NYC Voter Assistance Advisory Committee to provide Arabic-speaking interpreters at poll sites where needed/requested.
Brannan’s district includes the city’s largest Arab-American, and in particular Palestinian-American community in Bay Ridge who have been gaining political traction over the years, including being home to the Rev. Khader El-Yateem. El-Yateem made history last year becoming the first Palestinian Arab-American to run for New York City Council.
The event is slated for 1 p.m., today, Nov. 27, on the Steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Seddio Announces Annual Canarsie Holiday Display
Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio announced yesterday the opening of his Canarsie Annual Holiday lighting display.
The iconic collage of lights, animated figures and talking animatronics has been a Brooklyn tradition since 1963 attracting visitors to the neighborhood of Canarsie from around the Borough and the City.
This year’s display is valued over $350,000 and includes over 50,000 lights; almost 100 animated dolls and a talking Christmas tree. The christmas light show will include eight display areas identifying a different holiday theme with vignettes depicting Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations.
The event will also feature musical renditions by local groups as well as a live Santa, elves and a dozen costumed characters. This year choral renditions will be provided by the Public School 115 chorus and the choir of Holy Family Church. Additionally, Christmas carols will be played on steel drums by a local Steel Band. All are invited to the opening event.
The event is slated for 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2, at the corner of Flatlands Avenue and East 93rd Street in Canarsie.
