Support for the NY Transportation Bond Act — Prop. 2 on the November 8 ballot — appears to be more widespread than in 2000.  In that year, a transportation bond issue was defeated at the polls, largely by upstate “no” votes.  The Business Council of NY State is urging voters to give thumbs up to the bond act. “The council’s leaders expressed concern about the state’s debt level,” said Council president Daniel Walsh: “However the board recognizes that voter-approved debt for long-term capital needs is an appropriate use of public debt.” 

   “It takes dollars to just keep everything secure, safe and travelable. That’s mass transit as well as roads and bridges. This is not a luxury,” said Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno at an Albany event. 

   At a pro-Bond Act event in NYC, city comptroller William Thompson told the Daily News  that if the bond issue is defeated, the MTA “will likely be forced to borrow more money and riders may be burdened again with fare hikes and service cuts.”

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