Stop NYC Congestion Tax

The New York Times has uncovered Mayor Bloomberg’s hypocritical morning commute. Apparently, rather than walk to the 77th Street subway station from his 79th Street townhouse, a five minute walk according to the Times, he has two massive gas-and-ethanol-guzzling Chevy Suburban SUVs drive him down to the 59th Street subway station.

Oh, and if his Congestion Tax were in effect today, the Billionaire Mayor would only be charged $4 per SUV each day, 50% off compared to the $8 everyone else outside of Manhattan would have to pay.

So, does anyone out there still think that this plan is more about the environment than another way to milk an extra $30 billion from workers and taxpayers? I hope this information clarifies exactly what the Mayor’s intentions are with this tax: to make his luxurious, yet wholly unnecessary, vehicular morning commute less troublesome.

Bill A.9362 (S.6432) to establish the New York City Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission and requiring the development of a traffic congestion mitigation plan by the Mayor of the City of New York PASSED!

In the Assembly: 122 in favor, 16 opposed, 11 excused
In the Senate: 39 in favor, 19 opposed, 3 excused

(Roll call vote will be posted shortly)

Now, the Mayor must submit his plan, as described here, to this New York City Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission to develop the Mayor’s congestion taxation plan.

Who’s on this commission: 17 people appointed by the Governor, upon the nomination of 3 appointees by the Mayor, 3 from the Speaker of the New York City Council, 3 from the Governor, 3 from the Assembly Speaker, and 3 from the State Senate Majority Leader.

The Senate Minority Leader gets to nominate only 1, as well as the Assembly Minority Leader.

Meaning, At least 12 of the 17 people chosen are selected by those who are SUPPORTING this congestion tax. No word yet as to who will be appointed.

We’ve only got a little time left before the State Legislature and the City Council will have something to vote on. We’ve got to speak out now, or forever pay a double-tax to use our own streets!

The Daily News reports that State Legislators are being called back to vote on the compromise deal bill on Thursday.

If it passes, a commission will be formed reviewing the plan for the congestion tax, and Mayor Bloomberg will be permitted to purchase and install all the necessary equipment for the Big Brother tax system, with cameras and E-Z Pass readers installed throughout Manhattan. However, he won’t be allowed to impose the tax on any drivers until the City Council and State Legislature approve the final plans.

Four people are making this decision without our input; we, the People, need to tell them that a CONGESTION TAX is unacceptable!