Races for the White House and Congress aren't the only ones on the ballot tomorrow. Though as usual there aren't many competitive contests for State Senate and Assembly, voters who are interested in transportation funding and safer streets should check out a candidate survey released over the weekend by the New York Bicycling Coalition, the Straphangers Campaign, Transportation Alternatives and Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
The survey, presented to every Senate and Assembly candidate, sought positions on Tappan Zee transit, MTA funding, MAP-21 allocations, automated traffic enforcement and other issues. The answers are chock full of interesting tidbits.
On the whole, for instance, 29 candidates go on record in support of "new transit funding." Responding to a general question about upkeep of transit systems, roads and bridges, Queens Senator Tony Avella suggests paying for infrastructure with an expansion of gambling revenue, while Manhattan's Brad Hoylman, a first-timer running to replace the retiring Senator Tom Duane, supports congestion pricing and bridge tolls.
Forty-one candidates say bus service should be improved along the Tappan Zee Bridge corridor, and 29 are in favor of some type of automated traffic enforcement.
Also interesting is what isn't said. Out of 212 Senate and Assembly races, just 43 candidates returned the survey. While tomorrow's vote isn't as momentous as a primary with seats in play, the questionnaire offers a window into who stands for what, and can be a tool to hold electeds accountable for stated positions.
All candidate responses are posted on Mobilizing the Region. Share your observations in the comments.
