A recent letter ("Lets keep the current system of selecting LIRR Council members to provide best service to commuters", November 21, 2001) urges that the current method of appointment to the Long Island Commuter Council be continued: I disagree.

The LIRR Commuter Council was created in 1981 to provide the input of everyday commuters to the LIRR and the MTA. The Council was to be an independent non-partisan watchdog.

Unfortunately, Governor Pataki has removed two members of the Council without adequate justification. Under the current system, the Governor can eliminate any member of the LIRR Commuter Council at his pleasure.

Without independence, the Council cannot represent commuter’s interests.

Council members must have the freedom and autonomy to criticize the Rail Road without fear that they will be removed from the council for voicing their opinion.

That’s why I support changing the law to have the members of the council serve for a specified term of years and not be subject to dismissal at the whim of the Governor. I believe it would be beneficial if the members of the Council were not all Gubernatorial appointments.

Council members must be free to raise the issues and concerns of the Long Island Rail Road commuters. While the Rail Road and the Governor may not always want to hear their appraisal of service, customers concerns must be addressed.

Robert K. Sweeney

Member of Assembly