A Pure Canard
From today’s Newsday article on opposition to Mayor Mike’s proposal to restore the commuter tax:
There is only so much the commuters can stand, said Gerry Bringmann, chairman of the LIRR Commuter's Council, an advocacy group. The commuter tax might be the straw that broke the camel's back and makes people decide they can't afford to work in the city anymore.
Having once worked for the Council, I highly respect the organization, but that comment is blatantly stupid. The commuter tax would be 0.45%. Say you earn $100,000 a year, a relatively decent salary for the region. Your tax would be $450 a year. That’s not exactly a pittance and would force people to make some sacrifices, but come on, you’re not going to give up a high-paying job over $450 a year. Mr. Bringmann's sentiment, while well meant, is nothing but a red herring.