MAYOR ABRAHAM D. BEAME - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/29/1974 - HFSID 17669

ABE BEAME
Typed Letter signed as Mayor (October 1974), promising efforts to avert a transit fare increase.
Typed Letter signed: ""Abraham D. Beame" as Mayor, 1 page, 8½x11. New York, N.Y., 1974 October 29. On official letterhead to Michael Scocozzo, Brooklyn. In full: "Thanks so much for taking the time to suggest possible ways to avoid a transit fare increase. I deeply appreciate having your good suggestions and shall give them serious thought and consideration. I share your desire in avoiding any fare increases at this time. In a recent testimony before a House Committee of the United States Congress, I pointed out the City's transportation priorities and indicated that a combination of a fare increase and ridership loss would greatly affect our economy and severely hurt the employment picture. There is no doubt that we must have substantial federal aid if the 35¢ fare is to be maintained and I have urged the President and Congressional leaders to act favorably on the transit legislation now before Congress to avert disastrous and inflationary fare increases. You may be assured that I will continue to do everything in my power to head off a major fare increase in New York. I was pleased with the interest and concern you have shown in this serious matter and again would like to thank you for taking the time to write. Instead of just sending my autograph as you requested, I have enclosed an autographed picture. [Item not included.] It is being sent to you with every best wish. Sincerely". Abraham David "Abe" Beame (1906-2001) was New York City Budget Director (1952-1961) and Comptroller (1961-1969). A Democrat, he lost a bid for Mayor in 1969 to Republican John Lindsey, but won the office four years later, becoming the City's first Jewish Mayor in 1973. As Mayor, Beame was immediately confronted with budget crisis set off by a looming $1.5 billion city deficit. He managed to fend off bankruptcy through a combination of drastic austerity measures and state and federal aid, but lost to Ed Koch in a re-election bid in 1977, finishing third in a multi-candidate race. In Beame's last year in office, New York City had a $200 million budget surplus. Beame won the battle discussed in this letter. When President Ford signed the $11.8 million mass transit bill on December 16, 1974, the 35-cent transit fare was temporarily preserved. Lightly creased. Horizontal fold at center. ½" tear at right center. Otherwise, fine condition.