A Word From The Publisher

We recently received a press release from State Senator Craig Johnson regarding congestion taxing. According to this plan, which was initiated by Mayor Bloomberg, commuters will be charged an additional $8 and businesses an additional $21, every time they drive into Manhattan! While this idea was rejected by the state legislature, it may yet have life.

Senator Johnson had some very good points to make about the plan:

"It is clear to me that congestion pricing is a commuter tax that is disguised as a green initiative. Unfortunately this plan is neither green, nor innovative.

"I am pleased to report that when it came time to take the first vote on congestion pricing, the rest of Nassau's Senate delegation stood with me.

"My colleagues, Senators Dean Skelos, Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. , Carl L. Marcellino, and Kemp Hannon, did the right thing for their constituents when they joined me and voted against forming a commission to 'examine' this issue.

"Proponents contend that the whole idea of congestion pricing is to make driving into Manhattan unattractive for many commuters, compelling them to take public transportation. The end result, they say, is that there will be less traffic on the roads and less pollution in the air.

"Unfortunately, the reality does not match the rhetoric.

"Already, the MTA has made it clear that they intend to raise fares on trains, subways and buses. And not just this year, but for the foreseeable future. Given the option of an expensive commute either way, many people will simply continue to drive, and begrudgingly pay yet another tax.

"If I am wrong, and everyone starts taking the LIRR, this would also prove problematic. Many of our train stations simply do not have the parking facilities to accommodate these new riders, forcing many into surrounding neighborhoods to look for street parking. In other words, congestion pricing would bring the congestion from the city, to our suburban communities.

"Also, under every congestion pricing proposal that has been brought before the Senate, taxis, which cause much of Manhattan's congestion, are exempt from paying this tax.

"Proponents contend that making them pay would be bad for business. They do not, however, seem to have a problem taxing our plumbers, electricians, and other service-based businesses that have no choice but travel to Manhattan to keep afloat. These businesses will have no choice but to pass on the extra costs to their customers."

The senator makes many good points. What do you think?

Meg Morgan Norris

Publisher