MAYOR SHOWS HIS PASSIVE SIDE—AGAIN

New York City – Yesterday, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens & Brooklyn) unveiled his eight point plan to save New York City subways.

The centerpiece of Weiner’s plan: Mayoral control of the MTA.

Mayor Bloomberg senior advisor Bill Cunningham responded by saying: “he would have to go to the suburban communities and tell them they no longer have a vote. Why would [the legislature] do that?” [New York Post, 6/25/05]

Weiner responds:

“Bill Cunningham’s comments show exactly what is wrong with this Mayor’s ‘you get more with honey than with vinegar approach.’

“Sometimes asking just doesn’t cut it.

“If it’s in the best interest of New Yorkers its worth fighting for.

“If this guy is Bloomberg’s fists, it’s no wonder he keeps losing so many fights.”

92% of MTA riders and 80% of MTA revenue is generated in New York City, but the MTA only spends 72% of its funding here.

Currently, the Governor has control of the MTA Board, appointing 6 of 14 voting members to the Mayor's 4, while suburban communities also get 4. As mayor, Weiner pledges to take control of the MTA board, expanding voting members from 14 to 15, with 8 mayoral appointees, 4 for the Governor and 3 for suburban counties.