An Open Letter to The Hon. Ruben Diaz, Sr.:

Sent March 18, 2009.

Dear Senator Diaz:

Mass transit is the life blood of the Bronx. The last time people forgot this and the state failed to adequately invest in the MTA’s capital needs, they tore down the Third Avenue Elevated subway line in 1973. It was one of the worst things to ever happen to your district. Do you remember the 1970s housing abandonment, arson, job loss and population loss in Melrose, Morrisania and Mott Haven? The loss of mass transit was one of the main reasons this happened.

Senator Diaz, this is serious, and it needs your serious attention. The MTA capital program funds the maintenance and rehabilitation of the Bronx’s subway lines and stations.

Why you would ignore Bronx mass transit riders so that wealthy Connecticut and Westchester commuters can drive through your district for free, causing asthma and degrading neighborhood streets with traffic, is baffling and infuriating.

Who do you represent?

Sincerely,
Susan Donovan

Cc:

The Hon. Pedro Espada, Jr.
The Hon. Carl Kruger
The Hon. Hiram Monserrate
The Hon. Malcolm Smith, Senate Majority Leader

diaz@senate.state.ny.us
Espada@senate.state.ny.us
kruger@senate.state.ny.us
masmith@senate.state.ny.us
Sent to Hiram Monserrate via his web form.