Common Cause/NY Requests ABO Investigation into MTA CEO Joseph Lhota

NEW YORK, NY (11/15/2017) (readMedia)-- Today, Common Cause/NY sent a letter demanding that the New York State Authorities Budget Office (ABO) investigate MTA Board Member and CEO Joseph Lhota. Currently, Mr. Lhota is a registered to lobby on behalf of his former employer, NYU Hospitals Center. Since Mr. Lhota is now the CEO of the MTA, Common Cause/NY believes it is against the law for him to continue as a registered lobbyist for a private company.

"It's an apparent conflict of interest for the head of the MTA to actively lobby for another organization. Mr. Lhota is not exempt from the rules – he should discontinue lobbying immediately. The ABO should investigate Mr. Lhota swiftly and act accordingly," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY.

Letter and JCOPE filing attached.

Background:

In August, Common Cause/NY sent a letter to the Authorities Budget Office (ABO) requesting an independent investigation into the Governor's multi-million dollar plan to install LED lighting on MTA bridges and tunnels. The letter raised concerns about the statutory independence of public authorities, appropriation of funds, and cost estimates for the project.

Common Cause/NY is still waiting for a reply.