Blakeman Critiques Hochul’s Veto of MTA Bill

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has voiced strong criticism against Governor Kathy Hochul for vetoing a bill aimed at mandating two drivers on each MTA train. Hochul has been working to garner union support as she faces challengers in her party.

Blakeman, who currently holds the position of Nassau County executive, stated that Hochul’s veto of the union-supported legislation, along with others focused on enhancing pension and law enforcement benefits, reflects a disconnect with the needs of workers in New York.

“For too long, the hardworking men and women of this state have been overlooked by a government that doesn’t get what they need,” he conveyed to the Post. “That will change on my first day as governor.”

In a recent interview on 77th WABC’s “Cats Roundtable,” Blakeman expanded on his stance, suggesting that the state could afford to improve worker treatment if not for the $4.5 billion spent in recent years on housing and feeding thousands of immigrants, including those who entered illegally.

“The message is that if you come here, you’ll get more benefits than residents,” Blakeman remarked. “We’re providing more to newcomers than what taxpayers receive—things like free phones and food. That just doesn’t sit right with me. Once I’m governor, I’ll set things right.”

While Mr. Blakeman aims to position himself as a champion for workers, he faces significant challenges in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than two to one, making him the underdog against the firmly established Hochul.

No Republican has won a statewide election since 2002, which gives Hochul an edge, even as polls indicate that a good portion of New Yorkers are eager for a change in leadership.

The vetoed MTA legislation, designed to ensure at least one driver and one conductor on all trains, remains contested by transportation unions. Under a current contract with the Transportation Workers Union, most trains have a two-person crew, save for some short shuttle routes.

John Samuelsen, president of the TWU, expressed support for Blakeman for standing with the union, stating, “There are 3,000 conductors who will vote for Blakeman. Hochul’s decision seems to favor wealthy interests.”

Furthermore, Samuelsen argued that operating one-man trains would compromise safety by removing the conductor. Indeed, several other modes of transport rely on similar arrangements.

In her veto explanation, Hochul pointed out that the bill could impose costs as high as $10 million annually, potentially degrade service, and limit the MTA’s efforts to adopt modern vehicles and signals.

However, Blakeman countered via social media, asserting that Hochul’s actions endanger both passengers and transit workers. “Conductors are essential for safety and crime prevention,” he insisted.

Despite union endorsements for Hochul’s decision, some transportation advocacy and business groups supported the governor’s veto. A joint statement from multiple organizations emphasized the need for efficient public transport, arguing that the bill would inflate operating costs and hinder modernization efforts.

Addressing specific concerns from last week, Trammell Thompson, vice president of TWU Local 100, acknowledged that conductors might not be responsible for security, stating, “What do you expect from a conductor?”.

Critics also argue that conductors often fail to intervene during incidents of harassment or abuse on trains, calling into question the union’s claims about safety through presence alone.

Additionally, Blakeman lambasted Hochul’s veto of several bills that aimed to enhance retirement benefits for law enforcement, which included allowing NYPD officers to consider outside work toward their pensions. He pointed out that New York City paramedics benefit from a 25-year retirement plan designed to preserve lives.

In her veto message, Hochul mentioned that these pension enhancements lacked designated funding sources and would burden taxpayers significantly, estimating costs at $183.3 million in the short term and $347.5 million over the long term.