Nassau County Representative Exits MTA Board After Senate Scrutiny

Nassau County’s representative on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board, David Mack, has withdrawn his bid for reappointment, a move reportedly driven by a lack of support from the New York State Senate. The decision comes after a period of scrutiny regarding Mack’s conduct and effectiveness during his tenure.

Senate Opposition

Sources familiar with the State Senate’s deliberations indicated that the opposition to Mack’s reappointment was not primarily political. While Mack was notable for opposing congestion pricing, the Senate’s concerns appeared to stem from issues of basic competence and behaviour. Instances cited include Mack reportedly falling asleep during critical board meetings and engaging in behaviours such as illegally parking his vehicle in a dedicated MTA police spot and misusing his government-issued parking placard. The relationship with his patron, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who had recommended Mack for reappointment, also appeared strained by the Senate’s stance.

Assembly Member Michaelle Solages of Nassau County expressed a lack of surprise at Mack’s withdrawal, referencing his track record. The State Senate adjourned for the year on Thursday, meaning any potential replacement nomination would have to wait until January at the earliest.

David Mack’s Background

David Mack, an 84-year-old real estate tycoon and a defiant driver, has been a controversial figure during his time on the MTA board. His tenure was marked by instances that raised questions about his engagement and adherence to regulations. Beyond the reported instances of napping during meetings and parking violations, Mack once controversially described public transit as an “inconvenience,” a statement that drew criticism given the reliance of many in his county on the very services the MTA provides.

MTA Board Structure

The MTA board, a 23-member body, includes appointees from various levels of government. Ten members are nominated by the governor, and four by the New York City mayor. County executives from Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, and Putnam counties each nominate a member, though some counties share a vote. Additionally, six non-voting members represent labour unions and the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee.

While Mack’s single vote might not have significantly altered the MTA’s overall power balance, his departure removes a surrogate for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is currently pursuing a long-shot bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Blakeman did not respond to requests for comment regarding Mack’s withdrawal.

Meanwhile, appointees by other officials were confirmed by the State Senate. These include Melanie Hartzog and Janette Sadik-Khan, nominated by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, as well as Matthew Rand, picked by Rockland County Executive Ed Day, and James O’Donnell, nominated by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus.

Key facts

Impact on Transit Governance

The withdrawal of David Mack from the MTA board highlights the importance of due diligence and Senate confirmation in appointments to critical public transit bodies. The MTA board plays a significant role in shaping the future of public transportation in the New York metropolitan area, overseeing a vast network of subways, buses, commuter rail, and bridges. The selection of qualified and engaged board members is crucial for effective governance and for ensuring that the needs of millions of daily riders are met. The Senate’s scrutiny in this case suggests a move towards greater accountability for appointees, particularly concerning their engagement and adherence to rules. The vacancy leaves Nassau County without direct representation on the board until a new nominee is confirmed, potentially impacting its voice in regional transit decisions.

Source: Streetsblog NYC – Big Mack Attack! Nassau County’s MTA Board Member Quits After Rejection By State Senate (https://empire.streetsblog.org/big-mack-attack-nassau-countys-mta-board-member-quits-after-rejection-by-state-senate)