T: Is for teamwork, but whose team?

It's official, the MTA is increasing it's fares and tolls by 8% effective in July with another 5-percent increase following in January 2011. This is only the second time in the 104-year history of the transit system that back-to-back fare hikes have happened. The MTA is also looking for an additional $300 million from the city and the state. The MTA has cut costs by 6 percent over the last four years, but what about New Yorkers who have had to cut out the essentials of living. It amounts to more than 6%."There are a lot of things that are totally unnecessary in the MTA," said board member Norman Seabrook. "And to ask people -- mom and pop -- to come out of their pockets one more time for a fare increase is just unacceptable to me." Some officials say further budget cuts will not even cover costs. Another way the MTA is looking to increase its revenue is through expanding advertising. The agency said it is considering a partnership with CNN that would put monitors in stations. The monitors would broadcast the news station, similar to what is currently available at many airports.

Then we have Michael Bloomberg who backed the fare hike. He says he isn't trying to buy the election - but new records show he has put an $18.7 million down payment on a bid to acquire a third term. Already he has poured $15.6 million into his campaign in the past two months, spending millions on advertising, printing, consultants, dozens of staffers, rent and office supplies. The new total is 55% higher than Bloomberg had spent at the same point four years ago and it dwarfs what any of his three rivals expect to spend all year.

Controller William Thompson raised $83,561 in the past two months and spent $352,75.00, he had raised $3,571,181 and spent $1,399,841. "Mike Bloomberg is spending almost $19 million to try to convince New Yorkers that they need four more years of higher taxes, rising unemployment, record homelessness and overcrowded schools," said Thompson spokeswoman Anne Fenton. "Bill Thompson is building a network of supporters in all five boroughs because he is the candidate who understands the unprecedented challenges facing all New Yorkers."

Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn/Queens), who is on the fence, raised $30,725 in the past two months for a total of $5,068,796. He spent $143,773 in the past two months for a total of $963,433.

Longshot candidate Councilman Tony Avella (D-Queens), who prides himself on not taking contributions from developers or many large donors, has raised $248,270 and spent $116,664.

The reason I bring all this up in the same article,, is that you have New Yorkers who are suffering. You have a candidate who wants to disregard the rules and is spending what could of been put where he would of made the biggest impact...the MTA. Why is it candidates spend a fortune on publicity, when helping the people with whom they are seeking approval would get them publicity by the score. Imagine if Bloomberg had put 18.7 million into helping the MTA. He would of become a hero and Oprah would of honored him. Now that's a publicity F.A.C.T.