Koppel’s no better than Klein

Posted

To the editor:

It’s true that state Sen. Jeffrey Klein did not honor his pledge to use his coalition of independent Democrats and Republicans to push a progressive budget. Instead, the budget favors what Republicans and the Republican-minded Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo want.

New York City public schools will still not receive all of the $7 billion promised to settle a 2007 lawsuit. Sixty-seven charter schools with no political pull will get no aid, but New York City is required to give space or rent money to Eva Moskowitz’s 22 charter schools. 

Her backers were able to spend about $4.5 million on anti-de Blasio ads in one month, but they claim they can’t afford to pay rent. 

But if you want to replace Mr. Klein with someone who would oppose this, why would you think that person would be former councilman G. Oliver Koppell? When Mayor Michael Bloomberg felt that it would be okay for George Steinbrenner to tear down a landmark —Yankee Stadium — Mr. Koppell thought that was good. When Mr. Bloomberg gave city land and tax breaks to Mr. Steinbrenner to build a new stadium, Mr. Koppell also approved. In fact, he was a very enthusiastic supporter.

If Mr. Koppell was willing to kow-tow to a rich man on the city level, why should we believe he would stand up to the rich in Albany?

Richard Warren

Jeff Klein, Oliver Koppell, Richard Warren

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