Bloomberg Courts Paterson To Support Congestion Pricing
March 20, 2008
After an hour-long meeting in Albany on Wednesday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg was unable to acquire Governor David Paterson’s support for his plan to toll drivers on Manhattan streets.
“He really seems to have a thing for congestion pricing,” said Paterson at a joint press conference he held with Bloomberg.
“We don’t have much time to make a decision, so you won’t have to wait long,” continued Paterson, in reference to the looming April 7 deadline for approving such a program.
Former Governor Spitzer was in favor of Bloomberg’s pet project, designed to decrease air pollution and traffic in Manhattan.
Paterson and Bloomberg are closer in opposition to an Assembly tax hike plan. Democrat Speaker Sheldon Silver thinks bumping up income taxes on millionaires can bridge a 4 billion dollar-plus gap.
Paterson would not rule it out, if the stock market sours more.
“But right now, as it stands if it leveled off where are now, I think we can cut without raising taxes. I’m very sure of that,” said Paterson.
In Albany, Silver’s aides stress the speaker wants to work with the governor.
“We would like to see a way which we take care of what we have to take care of in terms of educating our children, providing health care, creating jobs in this state,” said Silver. “And if the governor has a way to do that, I’m with him.”
Paterson already has proposed slashing $800 million in non-employment funds and seemed to dismiss expected bumps in school aid.
Paterson was also asked about his recent confessions of infidelity, one day after the first couple used their first news conference to confess to straying.
“Let me try to answer that for him,” said Bloomberg, who finished his explanation with a call to end such inquires: “Let’s get on with it.”
Paterson answered how to maintain a healthy family amid infidelities by saying, “Communication.”
Source: NY1
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