How Dumb Does This State Senator Think You Are?
A recent email newsletter from State Senator James Skoufis simultaneously declares victory against congestion pricing, all while offering no plan on how to (finally) upgrade the Port Jervis line.
I was told these posts on The Monroe Gazette should be shorter.
But the only opinion that matters here is that of our near 100 paid subscribers.
(We’re almost to our goal of 100 paid subscribers before August 1st!)
So, if YOU have a monthly subscription to The Monroe Gazette, and would prefer shorter posts, feel free to leave a comment below or email me and let me know.
I like doing what I’m doing. You’ll have a long one on the Monroe Town Board meeting coming shortly.
But since we’re reader-supported, I’m open to feedback.
Here’s an example of what a shorter post would look like …
As some of you know by now, Governor Kathy Hochul mysteriously decided to halt the implementation of congestion pricing in New York City. She claimed a trip to three diners in Manhattan changed her mind.
Of course, Gazette readers know that Hochul is less than transparent about how she reaches her decisions. So your guess is as good as mine as to why she actually did this.
(Hint: There’s a big election this Fall.)
But here’s the thing …
When The Monroe Gazette spoke with representatives of the MTA, they stated that at least $140M of the $277M needed to upgrade the Port Jervis Line would come from the congestion pricing.
So … How exactly are these badly needed improvements for the Port Jervis line going to be funded now?
Let’s ask our State Senate representative, James Skoufis.
Uh …
What?
Here we have Orange County’s state senator declaring victory against the MTA’s “congestion pricing scheme” because Orange County doesn’t have a viable public transit option to get into the city.
You know, the exact thing the congestion pricing would have made possible.
Listen.
I know Congestion Pricing is not a popular idea.
But do you see another way to raise the near $300M to get this job done?
It’s not like we can all be Palm Tree and get $100M gifted to us by Congress and the State for a water pipeline absolutely no one else will benefit from.
As it stands right now, if you live in Orange County Sewer District 1, even though Palm Tree and South Blooming Grove (together referred to as The City of Kiryas Joel by yiddish language media publications), are the key beneficiaries of the expansion project, you’re going to be paying for the sewer expansion project.
That’s $203M you’re on the hook for.
So, again, put aside for a minute whether or no you like the congestion pricing idea, and ask:
Where is this $277M going to come from for the Port Jervis line, if not the Congestion Pricing?
How about the State gets the near $100M that “vanished” from Kiryas Joel’s school district and use that to put toward the Port Jervis Line.
No?
At the very least, this seems like a good time to figure out where that money went and get it back to use toward the Sewer District, don’t you think?
Did the Senator Suggest How Else We Were Going to Pay For The Port Jervis Line?
Nope.
He closed by saying: “There is work to be done on improving Orange County’s transit as well as air pollution all over New York, and I am supportive of those legislative conversations. I am gratified by this victory, but more than anything, I am glad to know that the hard-earned money of my constituents will stay right where it belongs - in their pockets.”
So, nothing. No plan. No suggestion on how it’s going to get funded. Nothing
But he did say one thing that I thought was kind of insulting.
Did you catch it?
“There is work to be done on improving Orange County’s transit as well as air pollution all over New York, and I am supportive of those legislative conversations.”
No. He’s not.
In fact, our State Senator is openly hostile to legislation that would improve our air quality.
Senator Skoufis must have a very low opinion of his constituents. Because all this newsletter — and the senator — offers here is little talk, no action, and plenty of bullshit.
It’s truly unfortunate that our choice this Fall for a State Senate representative, thus far, is between this guy and a potential antisemite.
How’s that for a short post?
Here's my 2 cents. You do lots of detailed research and try to convey it all to people who are sometimes in the middle of....life....and might not have time to sort through all the finer details. I don't think you should do shorter posts but maybe try to figure out a way to give the highlights of what's in a particular article. BTW, how many Orange County people are actually affected by congestion pricing? I know James is not a fan of the MTA in general and in a lot of cases I agree with him. But has anyone asked him specifically how many OC residents, specifically ones in his district, would actually be affected by congestion pricing if it went into effect?
Re long vs short posts: I appreciate EVERYTHING you write, both "the long and the short
of it," as the saying goes. I have only one suggestion, please take it with a grain of salt: any post in which you mention "hanhalla" and "haredi" would be easier on new readers if you include a little box with the definitions---something ready-made that you could easily plug in ("ready made" meaning by you, with your wit).