Stephen Witt

Instead of the traditional petitioning process, we should explore other methods for candidates to qualify for the ballot. A bill sponsored by Council Member Ben Kallos, and co-sponsored by Council Members Fernando Cabrera, Antonio Reynoso, Jimmy Van Bramer, and Inez Barron, proposes an interesting ballot qualification method. The bill posits a secondary method to ballot qualification – if a candidate has qualified for the threshold requirements of the Campaign Finance Board’s matching program, they would also qualify for the ballot. It is a particularly enticing option, as it would not only save taxpayers money but also reduce potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus from petitioning and trips to the Board of Elections and the courts. 

“I’m so proud that the City Council voted to pass my legislation and the entire STOP package, the most comprehensive oversight and reform we’ve ever seen of our student transit system,” said Treyger. “This legislation is about dragging a $1.2 billion school bus and transport industry into the 21^st century and building the accountability and transparency necessary to ensure that our city’s children and families are receiving the safe, efficient, and humane school transportation services they deserve.”

But Treyger was also quick to call himself the prime co-sponsor on Council Member Ben Kallos’ (D-Manhattan) legislation to put GPS devices on all school buses.

“Parents have enough to worry about. School bus rides to and from school should not be another cause for concern. I’m proud to join Council Members Kallos and Deutsch in sponsoring this legislation that will give parents peace of mind when it comes to their child’s daily commute,” he said.