Remember David Gantt? He’s the Rochester-based representative responsible for squashing a NYC home-rule bill aimed at BRT lane enforcement efforts. He angered a lot of pro-transit advocates last summer, and even The New York Times spoke out against him. Today, Assembly Chair Sheldon Silver continued to give the proverbial finger to New York City as he reappointed Gantt to the transportation committee chair despite strident opposition.
Politicians bemoan transit cuts and fare hikes, but when push comes to shove, it’s clear that they are not looking out for the transit needs of the New York City area. Thanks once again to Silver, we’re left to fend off hostile representatives heading up a committee that is supposed to encourage sensible transit solutions. When the MTA is in shambles and navigating through New York City is worse than it already is, just blame Gantt — and Sheldon Silver, too.