This just in:
Long-time MTA Board Member Barry Feinstein announced today that he would not seek re-appointment to the MTA Board.In a letter to MTA Chairman Peter S. Kalikow, Mr. Feinstein said, “My years on the MTA Board have been extremely rewarding. I have been fortunate to be part of a wonderful organization and work with true professionals. I am also gratified to have played a role in the resurgence of the mass transit system in this region.”
Chairman Kalikow stated, “The people of this region owe a major debt of gratitude to Barry Feinstein for his dedication and unselfish service. He has truly been the workhorse of the MTA Board, laboring tirelessly for the improvement of our mass transit system. Every time there was a tough problem, I turned to Barry for his advice and counsel, and he always came through.”
Mr. Feinstein said, “I am approaching three significant milestones in the coming year: my 72nd birthday, my 50th year in public life, and my 18th year of service on the MTA Board. After consultation with my wife, I decided it was time to reduce my demanding workload.” Mr. Feinstein praised Chairman Kalikow for his leadership and successes on the Board, specifically citing the progress in the development of “mega” projects such as East Side Access and the 2nd Avenue Subway as well as all-time ridership levels on the city’s subways and buses. “Peter has done a tremendous job at the MTA,” he added, “The system is safer, more timely, and more reliable than ever and he deserves a large amount of credit for that.”
Mr. Feinstein was appointed to the MTA Board in 1989 and is currently the longest-tenured MTA board member. He is the chairman of the New York City Transit Committee of the MTA, Vice Chairman of the Capital Program Oversight Committee as well as a member of the Finance, Governance, Safety and Security, and Capital Construction/Planning and Real Estate committees
Most recently, Feinstein made news for being the MTA board member to encourage the union to revote their contract.
-- Chuck Bennett amNY.com
