Bruce Blakeman should leave the non-pay Port Authority of New York and New Jersey board while running for mayor, suggests Gene Russianoff of New York Public Interest Research Group. Holdover Blakeman, an appointee of Gov. George Pataki and former Nassau Leg. presiding officer, has said he sees no conflict; the Senate is unlikely to confirm Gov. David Paterson's chosen replacement, Stan Grayson, until November or later. A paid staffer in the same position, as a declared candidate, would have to resign under PA policy.
Blakeman, meanwhile, announced through his mayoral campaign on Sunday that he is "urging fellow Republicans to cross partisan lines and support increased federal funding for mass transportation now being proposed by U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton."
For full text of his statement, click "continued" bar just below.
New York, N.Y. - Bruce Blakeman, Republican candidate for New York City Mayor, is urging his fellow Republicans to cross partisan lines and support increased federal funding for mass transportation now being proposed by U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton.
"The straphanger may have to wait for the "E" but they have no patience for delays in mass transportation funding brought about by political infighting or partisan bickering. There are no Republicans or Democrats when it comes to strengthening our mass transit system. Senator Clinton has proposed a strong 'shot in the arm' that would improve the life blood of our city, mass transportation, and it deserves bi-
partisan support," stated Blakeman.
Senator Clinton has introduced legislation known as the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008. It would provide additional funding for mass transportation systems to lower fares and expand operations, thereby encouraging additional ridership and further lowering our national dependence
on foreign petroleum. In cities across America, this proposal would provide citizens with a genuine opportunity to reduce their personal carbon footprint.
Blakeman stated, "Investment by the Federal government in mass transportation reaps dividends for our citizens' quality of life by providing cheaper methods of transportation, lowering commuting time and providing for a cleaner environment. In addition, less dependence on foreign fossil fuel makes us stronger as a nation. I personally applaud Senator Clinton's efforts to get more money for mass
transportation and I urge my fellow Republicans who serve in Congress to work in a bi-partisan manner with the Senator to increase funding for mass transportation."
Blakeman, a Manhattan resident, is a member of the law firm of Abrams Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Greenberg, Formato & Einiger, LLP., is a former Long Island elected official and currently serves as a Commissioner overseeing the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
"There is no other Mayoral candidate, either announced, or one who may be quietly mulling his choices, who appreciates more than this individual the critical importance of a viable, safe and effective urban mass transportation system. That is why federal funding, and those who advocate on behalf of those dollars, will always receive my support and I will do whatever is necessary to enlist others in this role,"
Blakeman concluded.