Steve Harrison | Democrat for Congress

Harrison, a Brooklyn attorney, said if congestion pricing works as a "green" initiative by getting cars off the road and reducing emissions, it won't produce enough revenue to pay for the transit improvements its proponents have promised.
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"The goals are in conflict," Harrison said at the St. George Ferry Terminal. "If fewer people drive, there won't be an uptick in revenue. If it's too successful on the green side, it won't be successful on the revenue side."

Harrison is running against Brooklyn City Councilman Domenic Recchia in a Democratic congressional primary. The winner will battle Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) in the fall.

Recchia voted in favor of congestion pricing earlier this week.

Mayoral spokesman Jason Post called Harrison's logic "flawed."

"The congestion pricing program is designed to reduce the number of cars on the road to the point where it will reduce congestion," Post said. "But, the modeling shows, not to the point that we'll have so few cars on the road that we won't generate revenue."

Harrison also said that the city must first increase mass transit options in order to encourage commuters to abandon their cars before congestion pricing is implemented.

"This plan puts the cart before the horse," Harrison said.

He added that while congestion pricing might reduce auto emissions in the Manhattan congestion zone, it could increase pollution in areas of St. George and Bay Ridge because more drivers might try to park in those neighborhoods, then take mass transit in order to avoid the congestion fee.

"Those are some of the thing that haven't been looked at adequately," Harrison said.

During an interview on an upstate radio station, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said that an Assembly vote on congestion pricing would take place Monday if there is enough support to approve it.

While Gov. David Paterson, GOP Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and GOP Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco are in favor of the proposal, Silver has yet to take a firm position.

The federal government has set a Monday deadline for Albany to pass the plan in order to collect $354 million in transit aid.

Silver has said the Assembly won't take up congestion pricing until the state budget is passed, a process currently engaging lawmakers.

There is significant opposition to congestion pricing among Assembly members from the outer boroughs and the suburbs.









	Dem congressional candidate rips toll plan By Tom Wrobleski Staten Island Advance With the state Assembly looking to vote on congestion pricing by Monday, Democratic congressional candidate Stephen Harrison yesterday lambasted the proposal as a "glaring contradiction." Harrison, a Brooklyn attorney, said if congestion pricing works as a "green" initiative by getting cars off the road and reducing emissions, it won't produce enough revenue to pay for the transit improvements its proponents have promised. Advertisement "The goals are in conflict," Harrison said at the St. George Ferry Terminal. "If fewer people drive, there won't be an uptick in revenue. If it's too successful on the green side, it won't be successful on the revenue side." Harrison is running against Brooklyn City Councilman Domenic Recchia in a Democratic congressional primary. The winner will battle Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) in the fall. Recchia voted in favor of congestion pricing earlier this week. Mayoral spokesman Jason Post called Harrison's logic "flawed." "The congestion pricing program is designed to reduce the number of cars on the road to the point where it will reduce congestion," Post said. "But, the modeling shows, not to the point that we'll have so few cars on the road that we won't generate revenue." Harrison also said that the city must first increase mass transit options in order to encourage commuters to abandon their cars before congestion pricing is implemented. "This plan puts the cart before the horse," Harrison said. He added that while congestion pricing might reduce auto emissions in the Manhattan congestion zone, it could increase pollution in areas of St. George and Bay Ridge because more drivers might try to park in those neighborhoods, then take mass transit in order to avoid the congestion fee. "Those are some of the thing that haven't been looked at adequately," Harrison said. During an interview on an upstate radio station, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said that an Assembly vote on congestion pricing would take place Monday if there is enough support to approve it. While Gov. David Paterson, GOP Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and GOP Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco are in favor of the proposal, Silver has yet to take a firm position. The federal government has set a Monday deadline for Albany to pass the plan in order to collect $354 million in transit aid. Silver has said the Assembly won't take up congestion pricing until the state budget is passed, a process currently engaging lawmakers. There is significant opposition to congestion pricing among Assembly members from the outer boroughs and the suburbs. Home \| About \| News \| Issues \| Endorsements \| Contact \| Deeper Than a Soundbite Contribute \| Volunteer \| Campaign Blog \| Host an Event \| Attend an Event Paid for by Friends of Stephen Harrison. Powered by Campaign Engine.
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Dem congressional candidate rips toll plan