Readers Share Views on New York’s Climate Policies and Neighborly Love

Brooklyn: People are really fired up about Governor Hochul’s climate policies. She mentioned in her State of the State address that she’s delaying the cap-and-invest program. This program is crucial for hitting our climate goals, and folks are worried we’re falling behind.

With wildfires raging in Los Angeles, it’s hard to believe she doesn’t see the urgency. New York has been hit with extreme weather lately—record heat, droughts, and storms. All of this is tied to climate change, which is largely driven by fossil fuel use.

Hochul seems to treat climate issues separately from affordability. But rising energy bills and insurance costs are real problems for families. Delaying important climate initiatives feels like a slap in the face to New Yorkers who care about the future.

People are calling for the Assembly to step up and push for a budget that prioritizes climate action and health. We need to transition to clean energy now.

In another note, someone questioned where the money went from the mental health initiative that was supposed to help New Yorkers. It’s a valid concern, especially since a lot of funding has been thrown around without clear accountability.

Then there are safety issues on the subway. One person shared a story about witnessing disturbing behavior on the train. It’s frustrating that people feel unsafe using public transport.

Another suggestion was to increase police presence in the subway system. It’s been ages since anyone saw a cop walking a beat outside of tourist spots.

And speaking of money, the MTA is losing millions to fare evaders. Instead of spending more on studies, why not use that cash to hire more transit police? It could make the subways safer and bring in more riders.

There’s also chatter about Mayor Adams visiting Mar-a-Lago, which raised eyebrows.

On the political front, some are questioning the loyalty of Trump supporters, especially when it comes to their economic interests. It’s a complicated situation, and many feel that the support for Trump might not be in their best interest.

Overall, there’s a lot of back-and-forth on these issues, and people are eager to see change. It’s clear that New Yorkers care deeply about their community and the direction it’s heading.