LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Jeff Klein is there for all of us

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To the editor:

Tip O’Neill, the late Democratic Speaker of the House, once wisely said that “all politics is local.”

While no elected official reflects my views 100 percent of the time, my personal experience with Jeff Klein sustains my belief that hard work and seniority count.

Jeff Klein’s ability to partner with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz to quickly craft and pass a state law that prevented Montefiore from building its behemoth medical center. His ability to renegotiate SelfHelp’s financial plan resulted in housing for all well-elderly on Broadway without the severely mentally ill component.

His ability to bring Metro-North to the table resulted in MTA’s first Hudson River Greenway feasibility study (soon to be released). Sen. Klein was the only local official to oppose DOT’s contentious Broadway corridor plan (voted down by Community Board 8), and to request that DOT respect the board’s resolution.

His allocation of millions of dollars for our parks, local institutions and schools significantly benefit our quality of life.

I can remember a time when Democrats and Republicans were once willing to work together in Congress to pass legislation and get things done. As a centrist Democrat, not an ideologue, I recognize Jeff Klein’s unique leadership and ability to effectively use his seniority to work with both sides of the aisle in Albany, which has enabled passage of a proliferation of progressive legislation.

Laura Spalter

Laura Spalter

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