On Tuesday, Rockland County Executive Ed Day formally called on Governor Kathy Hochul to appoint Neil Cosgrove as Rockland’s representative to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board. The position, which has been vacant for 20 months, is critical to addressing the county’s longstanding transportation challenges, according to Day.
In a letter to the governor, Day highlighted Cosgrove’s deep understanding of transportation policy and his unwavering commitment to representing Rockland residents. He emphasized the county’s annual $40 million value gap between its financial contributions to the MTA and the services it receives, including the lack of a one-seat ride for commuters.
“Rockland County’s representation on the MTA Board is limited to a quarter of a vote,” Day wrote. “This underscores the need for the most capable and dedicated advocate in this role. Neil Cosgrove is that advocate.”
Day noted that despite submitting multiple candidate recommendations shortly after the resignation of former representative Frank Borelli in June 2023, the seat has remained unfilled. He underscored the urgency of appointing Cosgrove, whose qualifications and dedication, he said, uniquely position him to address the county’s pressing transit needs.
“Governor Hochul, I respectfully request that you honor the tradition of deferring to the local municipality’s preference and appoint Neil Cosgrove to the MTA Board,” Day concluded. “This decision will reaffirm your commitment to fair representation and equitable service for all New Yorkers.”