By Eric Wolf Schoen
Some Politicians in New York State are phonies. They think, ‘We, the People’ are a bunch of dummies. We are not!
What’s worse? A politician who lies or a politician who doesn’t tell the truth. For me, they are just as bad, and this my friends is what’s going on at the state level today in New York.
Congestion pricing, one of my favorite topics, scheduled to go in effect earlier this summer, scrapped at the last minute minute by Governor Hochul based on public pressure, the New York economy and political pressure caused by elections (competitive races for Congress that could decide the Majority or Minority parties in The House and the Senate) has been brought out of the proverbial trash can and is up for discussion again.
So you ask, when will the discussion Begin. After Election Day, a busy time for many of us as we get ready for Thanksgiving and the holiday season and our minds turn to Turkey, Stuffing and Egg Nog. Time when the last thing on our minds is Congestion Pricing.
Does Governor Hochul have a calendar? Of course she does. So to play with our heads she makes a big splash putting a kibosh on Congestion Pricing, pissing off for lack of a better word her legislative colleagues and the few New Yorkers in favor of it (59 % of New Yorkers are against it) and getting a thumbs up from those against it. This is a temporary kibosh, and right before Labor Day, a time many of us are on vacation or heaven forbid watching political
Conventions (btw she got poor reviews for her prime time Democratic Convention speech) her ‘unnamed Aide’ says she is working with her staff on a revision of the New York Congestion Pricing Plan.
Let me remind you: The MTA Board, politicians many with limited knowledge of Public Transportation are part of this game too. They knew of the Governor’s scheme, and in order for them to continue getting their ‘piece of the action’ have to play by Hochul rules. The MTA Board is simply a rubber stamp for the Governor. It’s simple : you do what I want and I will do for you.
Let me just remind you that the Congestion pricing plan for New York City was poorly written. $15 fee to enter the Congestion Zone most times of the day. Bottom line is there is no congestion at many times when a $15 fee will be charged. They can tell from the toll monitoring currently done when Congestion Pricing should be in effect and the full amount which is ridiculously high should be charged.
Don’t forget that the Congestion Pricing tax on automobiles and trucks will not put a dime into street or infrastructure repair. The pothole you see today will be there tomorrow. The money just goes for buses and subways and tunnels for trains. That is why many are against the congestion pricing plan. Let’s not forget the MTA and their poor track record of spending money they have received over the years.
Friends I could go on and on. Congestion pricing in New York City today, Yonkers and White Plains tomorrow. You know the drill. This time it’s more than just a political Game. A scenario was in place, we did not know about it, and everything will change after Election Day. Sad situation!
Time to call the Governor and State Legislators to put an end to this game. ‘We, the People’ are not dummies.
Briefs:
One local supermarket that is open to 12 Midnight closes their Customer Service Counter at 7 p.m. Very inconvenient for the public and those going shopping after work.
My mail service has not improved since I wrote about it several weeks ago. At least I am not being told that the mail is lost. But I can’t believe I am not getting charity donation letters which are usually plentiful this time of year.
I hate when I buy a new product put out by a company I have supported for many years, the product is lousy, I call Customer Service to complain and they refuse to send a coupon for a replacement. The replacement encourages me to purchase more of their product I like!
Will you be receiving Spirits by Mail which will soon be legal in New York State? Is it a good idea or will it just encourage more people to consume alcohol? Let’s just hope they don’t drive!
Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol.com, or friend him on Facebook Eric Schoen…just look for him in the picture with Joan Rivers!
