By:Jason Scheer
"I think if they knock this line out, they'd have a real problem on their hands," said Malverne commuter Dennis Giordano as he waited for the train into Manhattan last Thursday morning.
And it seems that the MTA already has a problem on its hands in the form of Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre). Skelos joined commuters on the platform of the Malverne station at 7 a.m. last Thursday to voice his opposition to the MTA's proposal and to show residents that they have his support. "They are talking about not only closing it, but tearing up the track, selling it for scrap and really eliminating a critical part of the quality of life that exists for the people of Malverne and all of those who use the West Hempstead branch," he said.
Skelos also vehemently opposes the 5 percent fare increase, also part of the MTA's proposal. "It is wrong to propose a fare increase," he said.
Skelos said that the proposal by the MTA is shortsighted and, if carried through, will only serve to undermine mass transit on Long Island. "The whole purpose of mass transit is to have an efficient ride into the city at a reasonable cost that will also take cars off the roads," he said. "I think that is what the MTA is missing."
Skelos distributed information to commuters that included a tear-and-return card enabling riders to voice their opposition to the MTA's plan. Once the cards are mailed back to Skelos's office, he will personally deliver them to the LIRR's headquarters in Queens. He is confident that the cards will help sway the MTA's decisions.
"I think it helps a lot, because I'm going to take these and let Peter Kalikow, chairmen of the MTA, know that there are thousands of people opposed to this," he said.
Skelos was joined at the station by Mayor Anthony J. Panzarella, who also voiced his displeasure with the proposed cuts and fare hikes. "It would basically affect virtually every aspect of life here in Malverne," he said.
Panzarella and Deputy Mayor James J. Callahan said that businesses in Malverne thrive on the commuters brought in by the LIRR. Also, Callahan explained, 40 percent of Malverne residents commute to the city for work. To take away the train would be to take away a vital part of the village. "The train station and the LIRR are the lifeblood of this village," Callahan said.
Many residents were glad to see Skelos take the initiative and act decisively, as the proposals only became public knowledge on Monday. Orla Carey, a Malverne resident, said, "It is very assuring to know he is going to work so hard to keep the station open. It's good to see him down here."
Panzarella echoed Carey's assessment. "Saying he's an asset to our community is an understatement. He's been invaluable," he said.
Recently, Skelos was able to secure more than $3 million to construct a new parking lot for the Malverne station, Panzarella said. The MTA also provided $1 million to pay for the construction. Panzarella questions the motives and thinking of the MTA with regard to how it spends its money. "To spend that kind of money for a commuter lot and then say they are going to shut down the railroad in two years makes absolutely no sense whatsoever," he said.
Skelos said the MTA's proposal will only serve to alienate customers, not bring in revenue. "This impacts potentially the quality of life of thousands and thousands of people, and the MTA is totally wrong-headed in the direction that they are moving," he said. "They should not be increasing fares -- they should be improving service, not diminishing service.
"And they should be encouraging people to use the railroad. That increases revenues and keeps cars off the road."
