Senator Craig Johnson tapped for seat on MTA Capital Program Review Board

Every five years, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) must submit a capital spending program for the next five years. This fiscal system was established in the early 1980's to insure that New York's subways and commuter railroads (which were nearly collapsed in the late 1970's from decades of deferred maintenance) received adequate capital investment. This process was successful; thus, New York's rail transit systems presently function with reasonable reliability.

Under NYS Law, an MTA Capital Program must be unanimously approved by a four member board known as the MTA Capital Program Review Board. Approval of a capital program is presumed unless, within 90 days, a member of this board vetoes it. The members of this board are appointed by the Governor of New York, NYS Senate Majority Leader, the NYS Speaker of the Assembly, and the Mayor of New York City.

As a member of the Capital Program Review Board (CPRB), each member is responsible for reviewing, monitoring, and approving the MTA's proposed multi-billion dollar five year spending program. Since all capital programs must be unanimously approved, each member's power to veto enables him/her to pass and/or reject any proposal(s) presented to the CPRB.

It is The Sentinel's great pleasure to report that Senator Craig Johnson (7th Senate District) has been tapped to represent the Senate’s Democratic Majority on this very powerful MTA Capital Program Review Board. As a member of this powerful board, Senator Johnson will have veto power over the MTA/LIRR’s proposed Third Track Project – an initiative he has staunchly opposed since he gained his seat in the NY Senate two years ago.

Senator Johnson has always has been a tireless advocate for Main Line communities and joined residents in their staunch opposition to the MTA/LIRR's controversial Third Track expansion project because of the disastrous impact it would have on the quality of life in our suburban neighborhoods. He is also the author of the Main Line Community Empowerment Act (S.7037), which would only allow the project to move forward after two thirds of the host towns and villages approve it.

Although LIRR President Helena Williams announced that the Third Track has been temporarily suspended amid multi-million dollar budgetary shortfalls, the MTA Board continues to indicate that it is committed to this project. Senator Johnson has always vowed to remain vigilant in his fight against the Third Track - which he still opposes. As a member of the CPRB, he wants to focus his attention on improving the cost effectiveness of MTA projects - projects which have been notoriously mismanaged for years. Additionally, he plans to address the need for greater north-south transportation links on Long Island as well as to encourage a more efficient outreach by the MTA to its customers and the communities it serves.

Of course, the citizens of all the main line communities, including New Hyde Park, remain cautiously optimistic that Governor Paterson will accept the nomination of Senator Johnson to the MTA Capital Program Review Board as soon as possible.

IT'S ALL IN THE COMMENTS....

Residents are strongly urged to read today's developments re: the NYS Senate stalemate in Newsday's article http://www.newsday.com/news/local/politics/ny-stcoup1012955661jul09,0,6622722.story

In addition, interested citizens should scroll down and click on the "Read all 90 comments" section to read the BIPARTISAN voice of the people and who they specifically hold responsible for this horrible situation.

WE SHALL NOT FORGET IN NOVEMBER...

Citizens are fed up with Senate Gridlock

The Sentinel 11040 continues to receive an overwhelming volume of emails from outraged voters in response to the NYS Senate's month-long standoff. As of this evening, Governor Paterson has appointed Mr. Richard Ravitch, former MTA chairman, to become his lieutenant governor with the hope that his vote will break the current 31-31 deadlock.

Whether this appointment is constitutional or not, citizens remain pessimistic about the future viability of our state - especially when it is facing unprecedented economic distress.

The overwhelming feedback among The Sentinel's readership suggests that citizens stand ready and willing to VOTE OUT all NYS senators - on both sides of the aisle - for being derelict in the duty for which they have been elected to serve on behalf the people of the state of New York.

While we continue to appreciate hearing from our readership, we strongly recommend that our readers forward their emails to their NYS representatives so that they can hear your voice and your outrage.

We shall not forget....

Paterson signs property-tax-reducing bill into law

On June 25^th, Gov. David A. Paterson signed into law a bill aimed at reducing property taxes by simplifying the process of streamlining local governments. Although the legislation passed by large margins in both the state Assembly and Senate several weeks ago, opponents hope to amend it. The newly formed Long Island Special Districts Association has, for example, hired former North Hempstead Supervisor John Kiernan as its lobbyist.

Kiernan, who also represents that Nassau Village Officials Association, said the process for consolidating governments that is outlined in the bill is "flawed, and the savings will not be achieved." Another opponent, Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, said the number of signatures needed for a petition drive was too low because anyone with a grievance could start a process both costly and time-consuming to the village.

Lisa Tyson, director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition, disagreed. "It's the only piece of reform legislation that was passed this session. We are so lucky it was done before the Senate coup," she said, adding, "There is some hope in Albany."

Your action is still needed.........NOW

The Consolidation Bill (S 5661) that was just passed by the NYS Legislature is dangerous legislation - one that will surely inflict negative consequences on our neighborhoods.

• The 10% threshold (one in every 10 people within the local gov’t’s jurisdiction) is way too low to establish a call for a referendum for dissolution or consolidation.
• Residents will not be directly notified of any such referendum
• Outside groups can organize petitions to dissolve or consolidate local governments – not just the residents who live within the community.
• There is no time limit on the petition campaign – they could collect names for years until they get what they want.
• It also gives counties the authority to force a referendum on abolishing local governments: Fire and other public safety districts in particular. There is no provision to include towns in the process, and if a local government is abolished, it is unclear which entity would assume zoning authority and other powers -- as counties do not provide many local functions
• local fire departments are included in this bill at the present time – many of which are volunteer departments.

Use the links in the left sidebar and tell your NYS Legislator that you want amendments added to this bill which will protect our local community's home rule and our volunteer fire departments!!

Senator Johnson Speaks Out Against Consolidation Bill

Please visit Senator Johnson's website at http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/craig-m-johnson to hear his perspective on the NYS Legislature's Consolidation Bill which has been passed by both the NY Assembly and NY Senate. [The video is located in the lower left side of the website, "Featured Video"].

The 46-16 vote in the Senate came after the Assembly approved the bill, 118 to 26. The debates were similar in both houses, with supporters of the legislation saying it would allow citizens to strip away layers of government that increase taxes. But critics warned that counties would compel the mergers of villages and special districts, with diminished services. Gov. Paterson is expected to sign the bill into law.

It passed....

A measure to allow taxpayers to petition to consolidate local governments and special taxing districts won final legislative approval today, June 3, 2009. Despite some real pressure, Senator Craig Johnson (7^th Senate District) broke with his party and voted against Senate Bill S5661. The bill passed, however, with both Democrats and Republicans voting in favor of the bill.

Several amendments were offered by the Senate minority conference: to exempt the Fire Districts and to exempt Library Districts. Senator Johnson voted against these amendments because they absolutely failed to address the structural problems with the bill. They did nothing regarding increasing the petition threshold, they did nothing regarding the powers of the County to force a referendum on abolishing local governments, they did nothing on petition residency requirements nor did they address the open ended signature collection period. Perhaps most incredibly, they failed to address any issues related to villages, water districts, park districts, police districts or any other form of local government.

According to this legislation, only fire districts, and not Village Departments or Fire Protection Districts which contract with private companies, were exempted. Our volunteer fire service comes in many forms and they must be treated equally. More proof that these amendments failed to go far enough. The question remains - why would any Senator who voted in favor of the failed amendments then vote in favor of this bill?

This bill does not take affect for 270 days. Citizens remain hopeful that our representatives can work together to come up with sensible amendments that will address the real concerns we all have about this legislation.