Lhota, raised in Pelham Bay, named head of MTA by Cuomo

Former Bronxite and current Madison Square Garden Inc. executive vice president Joe Lhota has been named chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority by Gov. Andrew Cuomo today.

"Joe Lhota brings one-of-a-kind managerial, government, and private sector experience to the job and a lifelong commitment to public service that will benefit all straphangers," Cuomo said. "I look forward to working together as we continue to reform the MTA, reduce costs, and improve service for New Yorkers. I thank the members of the MTA Search Advisory Committee for their diligent work and thorough review."

Current MTA chairman, Jay Walder, announced in July that he was leaving to run an international transportation company based in Hong Kong. Tomorrow is his last day.

"Millions of New Yorkers depend on the MTA every day and they deserve the most efficient and effective service," Lhota said in a statement. "Throughout my career in both the public and private sectors, I have initiated reforms that are performance-based and that cut costs, and I look forward to bringing this same approach to the MTA. I thank Governor Cuomo for this exciting opportunity to serve the people of New York."

Lhota, now a Brooklyn resident, received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and graduated cum laude from Georgetown. He has New York in his blood; he is the son of a retired NYPD lieutenant and the grandson of a FDNY firefighter.

New York City Council Transportation Chair James Vacca applauded the decision, citing Lhota's experience in city government. 

"The MTA will face a number of challenges in the years ahead, from preserving service for straphangers to completing many of the mega-projects across the city, all under the threat of further budget cuts. This is one of the most difficult jobs in the country,” Vacca said. “Joe Lhota’s successes as a Deputy Mayor for Operations and City Budget Director mean that he has the expertise and leadership needed to weather the storm ahead.

“I heard from Mr. Lhota today and was encouraged by his enthusiasm and also by the fact that he has roots in the outer boroughs. When I learned that he grew up in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, in my district, I must confess feeling a sense of relief. This is not an out-of-towner. Mr. Lhota knows New York, he knows the transit system, and he knows the particular needs of folks in the outer reaches of the city. I look forward to working with him to improve service for all residents of this city." 

Former Bronx borough president Fernando Ferrer and current MTA board member said Lhota stood out amongst a number of other qualified candidates.

"Following an extensive search process, where we reviewed many top public transportation professionals, it was clear that Mr. Lhota was the best candidate for the position," Ferrer said. "He is a dedicated public servant with unparalleled expertise in business and government who will bring great energy and vision to the MTA."

Two miserable Bronx subway stations slated for fix-up

A story from this week's Bronx Press.

By Brendan McHugh 

Two of the city’s worst subways are getting a makeover.

After months of advocacy by the borough president and two Bronxites on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, the 149th St./Grand Concourse and 138th St./3rd Ave. subway stations will undergo major renovations next year.

“It is time for the Bronx to receive its fair share from the MTA, and the agency's commitment to making these much-needed repairs is a major first step towards that goal," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The 149th St./Grand Concourse station will get a new paint job, reconstructed platform edges, special grouting to prevent leaks and ventilation repairs. Repairs to the 138th St./3rd Ave. station include the east mezzanine passageway and an interior stairway. The work should be completed by early 2013. 

Jump below for the full story.

Israel Ruiz Considering A SpecElec Run

One thing we’ve been doing around the office is tracking down the wide array of different potential candidates who have mentioned, at one time or another, that they might consider pursuing the borough presidency (with two confirmed, of course).

One such candidate is former State Senator and City Councilman Israel Ruiz, who told me on Friday that he was also interested in jumping into the special election.

“I’m exploring,” said Ruiz, who recently sent out a mailing looking for campaign contributions to former contributors.

Ruiz said that nothing is final, and that he is also considering a run for borough president or for City Council in the 14th District against incumbent Maria Baez.

Ruiz held that council seat until 1997, when he ran for borough president against Fernando Ferrer.

(Though, to be fair, Ruiz did not seek out a Ferrer contest. When Ruiz announced for borough president, Ferrer was planning a run for mayor against Rudy Giuliani. When Ferrer opted out of the mayoral race, Ruiz stayed in the beep race rather than finagle his way back to the City Council. Obviously, Ferrer won, and Ruiz’s former seat was filled by Adolfo Carrion.)

Ruiz was unsuccessful in 2001 and 2003 races against Baez for the seat. Ruiz also ran for his former State Senate seat in 2006 against Efrain Gonzalez Jr, a seat he had held until 1989, when he was convicted of lying on a loan application. Upon his release from jail, Ruiz was victorious in the City Council race.

Ruiz said he’s spoken about his potential return to a number of people, and all the response he has gotten is positive.

“People are saying they’d like to have a discussion about who should be the next borough president, and they want me to be a part of that discussion,” said Ruiz. “The Bronx is really hurting, and we have to come up with solutions.”

--John DeSio