LIRR needs congestion funds to move ahead

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new capital plan includes good news for Long Islanders — new train cars to replace dilapidated M3s, more accessible stations, upgraded signals, and investments in the literal nuts and bolts of keeping the Long Island Rail Road in a state of good repair “MTA plans record $68B spending,” News, Sept. 19].

But we deserve more: more accessibility projects to make the LIRR 100% available to everyone who needs it, more signal work for improved reliability, additional track work, added double-deckers, and the pursuit of electrification.

We are still out the $1.5 billion that congestion pricing would dedicate annually to the LIRR’s capital plan, and no funding is in place to make up for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to pause the tolling plan, let alone pay for half the new one. Put bluntly, LIRR riders are getting the short end — we riders pay more than $15 a day to commute into the city. Why is that too much for a driver to pay?

Hochul’s ill-advised decision also spells uncertainty for businesses that build the projects that make up the capital plan. Work was stopped at the Hollis and Forest Hills stations, meaning crews at an Islandia-based company doing the work are in a holding pattern. As someone in the construction business for decades, I know how devastating that can be to a working stiff.

An LIRR that doesn’t work will stymie our ability to thrive and continue to grow. Lives and livelihoods depend on congestion pricing moving forward.

— Gerard Bringmann, Holtsville

The writer is LIRR Commuter Council chairman and a nonvoting MTA Board member.

Be careful about whom you decide to hire

If I ran my own business, would it be wrong to hire a relative or a friend of a friend? That appears to be what Rep. Anthony D’Esposito of Island Park has done [“GOP rep embroiled in allegations,” News, Sept. 25].

He should be able to hire whomever he pleases. His only mistake might be if these individuals have no experience or are incompetent. If so, that’s on him.

— Rich Sundermier, Rockville Centre

I find it ironic that both Republicans’ and Democrats’ comments lose focus of the critical issue — ethics and integrity. Supporting a certain platform and making beneficial improvements for your 4th Congressional District constituency does not excuse the behavior which Anthony D’Esposito has been allegedly involved in.

If true, D’Esposito’s questionable hiring was wrong, regardless of past accomplishments. Instead of deflecting this as a partisan attack, he should just own it. Wouldn’t that be refreshing if a politician admitted a mistake?

You reap what you sow.

— Bill Cook, Long Beach