The Issue: The $15 congestion pricing fee for everyone driving south of 60th Street in Manhattan.
With congestion pricing, everyone will use the George Washington Bridge to get into Manhattan (“Congestion pricing could cost NYC drivers $15 to enter Manhattan’s busiest streets,” Nov. 30).
This will cause more traffic tie-ups as well as more pollution as folks avoid the Lincoln and Holland tunnels.
New York Republicans have a real shot here by saying that we will eliminate congestion pricing and reduce tolls elsewhere by throwing the Democrats out of office.
After all, why would anyone in their right mind pay at least $15 or more to get in and out of Manhattan? The result of this fee will be that businesses servicing drivers might have to shut down as well.
Republicans need to tell city and state governments that if the MTA budget is that tight, they should crack down on illegal immigration and prosecute farebeating to free up more revenue.
Leonard Daniels
Manhattan
The MTA, which collects funding from bridge tolls, EZ Passes and other taxes, can’t control costs.
So it will now receive an estimated $1 billion per year via congestion pricing — a plan which hopefully never goes through.
The MTA doesn’t have a revenue problem — rather, it has an expense problem.
We should stop throwing good taxpayer money into this bottomless pit and instead hold the MTA accountable.
Eric Lessin
Staten Island
The central business district, which the congestion-pricing plan targets, aligns with 13 NYPD precincts.
These officers could have the misfortune of paying $15 every day to protect the same critics that advocate for mass transit.
Forget about getting support from our city’s police officers after they have to work 12 hours and commute two hours each way if they can’t afford to live in the city where they work.
Mike Caruso
Nanuet
Here is a solution to reduce congestion in NYC: All trains, buses and rail lines should be free.
Since many people jump the turnstiles anyway, this is a no-brainer.
After that, I am sure the congestion will be reduced. Those still willing to drive could pay the $15 congestion pricing fee.
Joseph Pignataro
Commack
The Issue: The city’s plan to cut the “fifth man” from every FDNY firefighting crew.
I was an NYC firefighter for 30 years. Mayor Adams’ plan to cut minimum manning from five to four men in the city’s engine companies is playing with fire (“Fire union sounds alarm, says migrant cuts to FDNY budget — which would eliminate ‘5th man’ — could lead to deadly consequences,” Dec. 4).
In the extra time it will take those four firefighters to get water on a fire, people can die. I’ve experienced it firsthand.
If Mayor Adams is truly concerned for our public safety, he would reconsider this dangerous cut in manpower.
Kenneth Miccio
Brooklyn
The proposal to remove the fifth man from every firefighting engine company is insane.
The city cannot afford to cut essential emergency services like the FDNY. They are required for our city’s protection from fires and other emergencies.
Why would the mayor even consider cutting essential personnel such as our firefighters? This will lengthen the amount of time it takes to fight fires, with severe consequences. Those consequences include the risk of losing innocent lives.
Everyday New Yorkers should not suffer due to these unnecessary cuts. Our City Council needs to stop the mayor from doing this immediately.
It is time for the federal government to step in and assist with financial aid for the migrant crisis.
John Amato
Fresh Meadows
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