MTR has received responses from Republican candidate Ed Romaine to questions the Campaign issued to both major Suffolk County Executive campaigns in early September. So far, we have not heard back from Democrat Steve Levy. If we do receive a response from Levy, we will present it in MTR #435.

Romaine writes that he is "not an advocate for road widening as a primary means to reduce congestion. Free flowing and high-speed traffic is well suited for our interstates, but not well suited for travel within towns and communities." He says that traffic calming may be a better solution for roads such as County Route 16, which the county has sought to widen under the current administration (see MTR #XXX). However, on his web site, www.romaine2003.com, the candidate says  "I am committed to re-building and improving Suffolk’s infrastructure by re-building, improving and adding lane capacity to our roads and bridges."

Romaine also says "Stabilizing car use will only be possible if there are viable alternatives to automobile use." He advocates better synchronized bus, train and ferry schedules, a monorail to connect McArthur airport and the Ronkonkoma LIRR station electrification of the Port Jefferson line and the LIRR Main Line third track project. Romaine strongly supports expanded use of rail freight, and development of a "truck/train freight depot." He also says he is generally in favor of a rapid bus system using designated lanes.

Romaine expresses great concern about Suffolk’s high level of pedestrian fatalities. He recognizes the vehicle speed vs. pedestrian safety relationship, and says he will develop better sidewalks, apply law enforcement and traffic calming road designs to address the problem. Romaine also supports the goals of Suffolk’s Smart Growth Plan, and would focus affordable housing development in mixed-use settings.

An "economic development" position paper on Democrat Steve Levy’s campaign web site, www.levy2003.com, indicates the Democrat’s interest in downtown revitalization. Another statement on the site pledges to obtain "extra federal funding for extended north-south bus routes." 

MTR back issues:

Go to index of all Mobilizing the Region back issues