Poll: New Yorkers blame Cuomo for subway crisis
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - New Yorkers blame the governor for the poor subways and believe that the feud between him and the mayor is hurting the city, according to a new poll.
It seems a subway commute isn't complete without a rail issue. Thursday morning a rail broke at 57th Street and 7th Avenue, forcing some trains to be diverted.
At the same time, Gov. Andrew Cuomo was in the city speaking at an event for the Association for a Better New York. He brought up the price tag of the MTA's subway overhaul plan.
"The cost of the first phase of the New York City subway transformation is $836 million," Cuomo said. "How do you split the cost? The MTA plan suggested 50/50, Solomon-like. Left out that the state had contributed much, much more, but I understand Solomon."
MTA Chairman Joe Lhota, also at the event, mentioned the city's financial obligation to help.
"The fact that the mayor will actually say that he's given us $2.5 billion," Lhota said. "Go look for it. You didn't give us $2.5 billion, you gave us a commitment for $2.5 billion."
Speaking of money, Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement soon after the event.
"This morning, Governor Andrew Cuomo asked New York City to put money into the MTA's new plan to fix the subways," de Blasio said. "But before he asks hardworking New York City taxpayers to kick in more, the Governor should return the money he siphoned away from MTA riders, reallocate the money he's using to light up bridges, and fulfill his $1 billion promise."
With all the back and forth between the MTA, the mayor, and the governor, Quinnipiac University asked New Yorkers about how they feel the city and state are handling the subway troubles and the obvious feud between our elected officials.
Turns out, it breaks down like this:
Among those who said the subways are "not so good" or "poor":
40% blame governor
21% blame mayor
20% blame both
And when it comes to the governor and mayor's conflict:
63% hurts city
7% helps city
25% doesn't make difference
The poll also mentioned this historical note. This mayor versus governor feud over transit started 50 years ago with Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and Mayor John Lindsay.