Inside the mysterious Capital Review Board

During yesterday’s Walder confirmation hearings, transparency was the name of the game. While the MTA has increased its level of public participation and now puts every single budget document on its website, our State Senators cannot be bothered with such a reality, and they spent much of the hearing asking Jay Walder how he would improve the MTA’s transparency and public image issues. It’s typical Albany machinations.

Meanwhile, an in ironic twist of fate, Mobilizing the Region profiled the Capital Review Board yesterday. This four-member oversight committee, with one representative appointed by the Senate, Assembly, Governor and Mayor each, will have the final approval over the MTA’s proposed $25.5 billion five-year capital plan. While we can watch the MTA Board and participate in public hearings, as the Tri-State Transportation Campaign notes, the CRB is practically opaque. Its members do not have to reveal why they voted the way they do, and its decisions often do not make sense. Transparency might earn headlines during a confirmation hearing, but apparently, Albany is more adverse to open government than the MTA. Shocking, I know.