New Yorkers Agree with Building Congress by Casting Votes for Long-Term Investment and Fiscal Responsibility

In a demonstration of industry collaboration and strength, the New York Building Congress lent its support to coalitions that were successful in gaining voter approval of the Transportation Bond Act, while beating back another proposal that would have weakened fiscal responsibility in the State budget making process.

The Building Congress was an early and committed supporter of the $2.9 billion Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act, which was approved by
55 percent of New York State voters. As a member of the VOTE YES Coalition, that encompassed leaders of the civic, business and construction/real estate
communities, the Building Congress raised more than $100,000 that was used for public awareness initiatives, including pamphlets, posters, brochures, press conferences and advertising.

In addition, the Building Congress hosted two Construction Industry Forums, which generated considerable media coverage, thus raising New York City residents’ awareness of the importance of the ballot initiative.

One forum featured Governor George E. Pataki, who spoke strongly in support of the Bond Act. “This is a comprehensive and fiscally responsible plan,” said the Governor. “It will ensure we have the resources we need to maintain our existing infrastructure,” as well as move forward on vital expansion projects, such as the Second Avenue Subway and the ongoing East Side Access project, which will provide direct Long Island Rail Road Access to Grand Central Terminal.

At an earlier forum, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Peter S. Kalikow explained in detail the transit projects that would be funded via the Bond Act. He also used the occasion to unveil the MTA’s own educational campaign. “Without the money, without the infrastructure,” Kalikow warned, “this system
is going to deteriorate, no question about it.”

“We are building New York taller, stronger, better,” Governor George E. Pataki told membersof the New York Building Congress during an October 14 luncheon where he urged the industry to vote “yes” on the Transportation Bond Act and “no” on a budget amendment.

Prior to the forum, the Building Congress released a statement in support of the Bond Act, which read in part, “Passage of this Bond Act is vital to the State’s and City’s economic future. It will support the maintenance and expansion of New York’s transportation infrastructure so essential for the region’s continued growth and overall quality of life. By improving system-wide reliability and permitting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to move forward on key expansion projects, passage of the Bond Act will help save New Yorkers time, ease traffic congestion, improve the environment, create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic activity.”

The Building Congress also joined a successful statewide effort to defeat Proposition 1, the proposed amendment to the State’s constitution that would have given the State Legislature far greater control of the budgeting process in Albany.

A statement in opposition to the proposition from the Board of Directors read in
part: “Requiring a balanced budget on time would be true budget reform. Starting
the fiscal year later and requiring earlier submission of the budget are appropriate reforms to allow the legislature more time to review spending proposals. But solving Albany’s fiscal problems means keeping the Governor’s current budget powers and enacting legislation that requires him to propose, and the legislature to pass, a budget that is balanced.”

MTA Chairman Peter S. Kalikow addresses the media after a September 13 breakfast forum during which he unveiled the Authority’s Bond Act information campaign, which appeared on City buses and subways as well as in 2,000 commuter rail cars.

The proposed amendment was soundly rejected by New York State voters (64 percent against to 36 percent in favor). “This Election once again demonstrated that our coalition is an important voice for positive change,” said Building Congress Chairman Frank J. Sciame.“It also speaks to this organization’s mission – to support long-term capital investment in our economy while promoting fiscal responsibility at all levels of government.”

Added Building Congress President Richard T. Anderson, “True to our role as a coalition representing each segment of the industry, we were able to rally and help coordinate the industry’s advocacy efforts. We also provided a forum for leading public officials to make their case; disseminated timely and factual information to our members, primarily through our (e)Update emails; and supported important efforts to raise public awareness on these critical issues.”