Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick), together with Village of Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, call for County Executive Edward P. Mangano to name a candidate for the Board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (“MTA Board”). Since on or around December 2011, Nassau County’s seat on the MTA Board has remained vacant. Nassau County is the only county served by the MTA that does not have a representative on the MTA Board, leaving our residents and businesses unprotected on critical issues such as fare increases, service reductions and capital projects.
Nassau County residents have seen many changes to their MTA service over the last two years. Yet, since on or around December 2011, Nassau County had no representative on the MTA Board to advocate for and protect our residents and businesses. A fare increase went into effect at the beginning of March 2013 and services have been reduced two years in a row. Upon information, the East Side Access project is behind schedule by 5-6 years. Metro-North Railroad will gain access to Penn Station and Amtrak may increase the number of tracks it uses at Penn Station, which will almost certainly impact LIRR service. Further, Leg. Denenberg is informed that there are fewer LIRR capital projects in progress than ever before.
If the County Executive has made recommendations, then those names should be publicized and Mangano should be calling on Governor Cuomo to act on those recommendations immediately. There is no reason for secrecy or delay.
“It is imperative that Nassau County have a voice in decisions that impact Nassau’s commuters, businesses, development, job opportunities, economic growth, taxes and quality of life,” said Leg. Denenberg. “Until Nassau County has a representative on the MTA Board, Nassau County and all of Long Island will not be adequately protected.”
