Senator Calls for Immediate Forensic Audit of MTA
Brewster, N.Y. – (08/12/11) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C – Patterson) is renewing his call for an immediate full forensic audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). This, in the wake of the recent resignation of MTA Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Jay Walder, and the impending appointment of a new leader by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
“There is no better time than now,” said Senator Ball, who has been calling for the audit since 2009. “We’ve known of corruption and gross mismanagement within the authority for years. We have an opportunity here, with new leadership at the helm, to get a fresh start and save taxpayers, communities and small business owners millions of dollars,” added Ball.
On June 15, 2011, the New York State Senate passed a bill (S4637/A7856), sponsored by Senator Ball, that would not only repeal the job-killing MTA payroll tax, but also forensically audit the authority’s accounting practices.
Senator Ball has been fighting to repeal the tax since it was instated in 2009. As a member of the New York State Assembly, Ball introduced legislation to repeal the tax and audit the MTA. “The single most important thing we can do collectively in the Hudson Valley to create jobs is reverse the MTA payroll tax. This is the final nail in the coffin for a state that is trending vociferously into a downward spiral,” said Ball.
Assemblyman Steve Katz (R, I – Yorktown), who is joining Senator Ball in the fight to hold the MTA accountable, said “The MTA is one of the most costly agencies in the nation, and it is completely irresponsible to ask the people, and employers, of New York State to spend one more dime funding this agency until a complete accounting of their finances is made public,” said Assemblyman Katz. “Furthermore, lawmakers and the public should be given time to review the findings to ensure that any corruption is rooted out and preventative measures can be put into place to ensure the new MTA administration is more accountable and transparent. If what is being done at the MTA is not illegal, it should be.”
On July 21, 2011, MTA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jay Walder abruptly announced his resignation. Governor Cuomo has announced the formation of a committee to assist in replacing Walder. Senator Ball and Assemblyman Katz are calling for the forensic audit to ensure a complete accounting of the MTA before the new administration takes hold.
The lawmakers encourage residents to join them in calling for an immediate forensic audit before the governor appoints a new leader for the MTA. Residents can do so by signing their online petition atwww.auditthemta.com [3].
For more information or to speak with Senator Ball, please contact Ali Skinner: (845) 200-9716.
