Paid politicians

In my current interest of stress management for myself and the planet, I've been doing some reading. Actually, regular stalking (and if anyone knows of a natural shampoo/conditioner, I'll be grateful). Recently I was turned on to the No Impact Man website. His no impact project is long over, but the insights and purpose remain the same. He posts realistic, practical tips on green living, commentary on big issues, and research/news results on the topic.

Today his article is a political issue about how New York's biggest, most ambitious, and yet realistic attempt to improve air quality, reduce congestion failed through their Assembly. Not because it was voted against, but because it was never brought up for a vote! But how...?

"After all, the plan had the support of Mayor Bloomberg, the New York City Council, Governor Paterson, State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, State Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco, the 42 Republican members of the State Assembly, a large coalition of environmental and business groups, 67% of of the voters of New York, and a number, as yet unknown, of Democratic State Assembly members.

Meanwhile, the plan would have brought: $354 million in federal funding for improved public transportation as well an annual $500 million raised by the plan; reduced greenhouse gas emissions and more breathable air to a population that suffers record asthma levels and the second worse air quality of any city in the country; an 11% reduction in traffic congestion; 20-40% reduction in time lost in traffic; and a major dent in the loss of business revenue caused by the loss of this time."

Turns out the Assembly Speaker Sidney Sheldon has been well paid in contributions by a coalition of assembly democrats, who have a hefty financial interest in Parking lots in New York.

Read Impact Man's perspective here.