Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Albany Reform

Upstate Assembly Member Says City Delegation Killed Pricing

126.jpgWhat went on behind the closed doors of the Democratic conference the day congestion pricing died in the Assembly? According to a constituent letter from Binghamton rep Donna A. Lupardo, the "overwhelming majority" of New York City members were opposed to pricing, and upstate pols followed their lead.

Thank you for your recent email concerning Congestion Pricing for NewYork City. As a committed environmentalist, I can appreciate howimportant it is to reduce congestion (and the associated greenhousegases and asthma producing fumes), etc. It is also critical that we finda way to pay for mass transit upgrades in New York City.

As you know, the congestion pricing bill did not come up for a vote ineither the State Assembly or the State Senate. Through six hours ofdebate in the Democratic conference, the overwhelming majority of mycolleagues (all from New York City and the suburbs) expressed theiropposition. Honestly, the members representing Upstate New York couldnot have possibly swayed the outcome. As we are often supported by ourNew York City colleagues (e.g. The Upstate Revitalization Fund), manyfelt obliged to defer to the opinions of those who represent New York City.

I'm sure that we have not heard the end of this matter. I will be sureto keep your thoughts in mind as we move forward.

Sincerely,Donna A. LupardoMember of Assembly

So where was Joan Millman when this was going down? Where were Micah Kellner and Richard Gottfried? Where was Sheldon "I probably would have voted for the bill" Silver? Did they speak up or stand down? Conveniently, we'll never know.

By the way, you can place your free recruit-a-candidate ad here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

BREAKING: Brooklyn Dem Honcho Appeals Judge’s Ruling Barring City from Tearing Out Bedford Bike Lane

Brooklyn Democratic Party powerhouse and Mayor Adams ally Frank Seddio is appealing a judge's order barring the city from tearing up part of the Bedford Avenue bike lane.

June 20, 2025

DOT Stands By Astoria Bike Lane Plan Despite Foes’ ‘Childish’ Outbursts

DOT is sticking by its protected bike lane proposal after a raucous community board meeting in Astoria.

June 20, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Frankfort Street, Once a Placard Hell, Is Now A Cyclist Haven

Streetsblog gets action! The city has evicted the cops from their placard elite parking near 1 Police Plaza.

June 20, 2025

Uptown Greenway Segment Finally Reopens After Latest Sinkhole Fix

The sinkhole-ridden stretch of greenway has been a pain for cyclists and pedestrians for years.

June 20, 2025

Black Cycling Clubs: ‘We Just Want a Safe Place to Park Our Bikes’

Leaving a bike on the sidewalk overnight or while at work often results in a missing tire or gearset, but for most of us, it’s only a matter of time until the entire frame disappears. 

June 19, 2025
See all posts