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....