Post by Chris_Wendt on Dec 14, 2010 14:12:02 GMT -5
Before I took my seat on the train this morning, I had to pick the flier left on the seat by the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority). The flier reminded us commuters that our tickets were going up in price--again--effective for our January tickets, and that our subway metrocard discount was being slashed in half at the same time.
When I got to work, in my tickler file was another flier: "Join Senator Fuschillo in Fighting the MTA Fare Hike!" The salient statement in the brochure read: "One again the MTA's solution is to ask Long Islanders to do more: pay higher costs, receive less services and be further inconvenienced."
The bottom line was telling: "Join me in telling the MTA Board of Directors 'no' to the fare hike...."
So much for that bit of political pandering and grandstanding. But to my point, here is the MTA, a public authority responsible for regional transportation services, with absolutely ZERO accountability, no accountability to anyone, not even to the State Legislature that created the MTA.
But skip the accountability issue and just think about the out-of-control upward cost spiral inflicted by this public authority on the traveling public and especially on millions of commuters. Now, think about the (lack of) accountability and about the (lack of) cost control to which we would be subject IF the Town of Hempstead Water Authority takes over our water company, Aqua!
Not convinced? Then let's think about everybody's (least) favorite public authority, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). How do feel about paying the highest electric rates in the nation, under LIPA? Does anyone want to pretend that LIPA has any accountability for their rates? Do YOU feel that we, the people are able to exercise ANY degree of control over this authority, LIPA?
Could someone hazard any reason to believe that a Town of Hempstead Water Authority takeover of Aqua would lead to any different or better result, better cost experience, better accountability or any better public control than we have with the MTA or with LIPA?
If you have it, please bring it to the party.
Eagerly,
Chris Wendt
When I got to work, in my tickler file was another flier: "Join Senator Fuschillo in Fighting the MTA Fare Hike!" The salient statement in the brochure read: "One again the MTA's solution is to ask Long Islanders to do more: pay higher costs, receive less services and be further inconvenienced."
The bottom line was telling: "Join me in telling the MTA Board of Directors 'no' to the fare hike...."
So much for that bit of political pandering and grandstanding. But to my point, here is the MTA, a public authority responsible for regional transportation services, with absolutely ZERO accountability, no accountability to anyone, not even to the State Legislature that created the MTA.
But skip the accountability issue and just think about the out-of-control upward cost spiral inflicted by this public authority on the traveling public and especially on millions of commuters. Now, think about the (lack of) accountability and about the (lack of) cost control to which we would be subject IF the Town of Hempstead Water Authority takes over our water company, Aqua!
Not convinced? Then let's think about everybody's (least) favorite public authority, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). How do feel about paying the highest electric rates in the nation, under LIPA? Does anyone want to pretend that LIPA has any accountability for their rates? Do YOU feel that we, the people are able to exercise ANY degree of control over this authority, LIPA?
Could someone hazard any reason to believe that a Town of Hempstead Water Authority takeover of Aqua would lead to any different or better result, better cost experience, better accountability or any better public control than we have with the MTA or with LIPA?
If you have it, please bring it to the party.
Eagerly,
Chris Wendt