A Case for Scala

Dear Editor:

As a long time South Queens resident, I’ve struggled with the lack of speedy and adequate transportation my whole life. I have been a proponent of reactivating the Rockaway Beach Line for decades under various organizations such as the Committee For Better Transit, Regional Rail Working Group, Queens Public Transit Committee, QueensRail Corporation and most recently, the Our Neighbors Civic Association of Ozone Park, where I serve as Transportation Chairperson. The project, now known as QueensLink, has also been a priority of Mike Scala’s for as long as I can remember as a member of some of these same organizations. As Mike understands our dire need for better mass transit options in our area and has been a vocal advocate for improving the transit system, I believe him to be the best candidate for the State Assembly.

One of the most important battles we can fight in Albany is getting funding for QueensLink to extend the “M” subway line out to the Rockaways. For Rockaway residents primarily, being disconnected from the rest of the city means lost time, money, jobs and opportunities. With the Resorts World Casino recently being awarded a full-time commercial gaming license and being part of the Assembly district, this is the perfect opportunity to move the QueensLink plan forward. Of the three candidates running to replace Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, Mike has taken on this issue more than anyone. Once elected, this will be at the top of his agenda. Mike has also fought for other transit related improvements including ferry service, discounted weekend fares and not losing any local bus routes as part of the MTA’s Queens Bus Network Redesign Plan.

The building of the QueensLink is the key to the economic development and growth of Queens. That’s why I support Mike Scala for State Assembly and you should, too.

Carl Perrera