To the Editor,
I disagree with the letter written by Frank Mauriello that the services provided along the New York State Thruway are in any way related to the First Amendment. Regardless of what Chick-fil-A owners religious beliefs are, bottom line is that this is a business contract with the State of New York, that is supposed to be in the best interests of travelers. If Chick-fil-A doesn’t want to fill that need, then why did they even bid on the contract?
Every store in a mall abides by their contract with the private mall owner, which makes clear the required hours of operation. Similarly, I wouldn’t expect New York State to short-change travelers by entering into a poor business arrangement that lets a vendor decide it doesn’t have to be open because it doesn’t feel it’s a good thing for themselves, despite the needs of thousands of travelers. I am confused as to how Chick-fil-A was given a long- term contract with New York State that did not specify that the terms of the contract were designed to serve the needs and comfort of those traveling on the NYS Thruway every single day. It is an odd business deal for sure, but nothing to do with our First Amendment Rights.
As Mr. Mauriello stated he thinks the State Legislators have too much time on their hands if they care about “a chicken sandwich” being served on a Sunday, I would suggest he misses the mark there as well. Whether it’s a contract for a sandwich or a contract to bring in hundreds of long term jobs, taking the time to ensure that government contracts are well written and fulfilled is at the heart of good governance for the people. I appreciate that Assembly Member Tony Simone is concerned, regardless of his own private viewpoints about a company that clearly is less concerned about the public it signed on to serve for a profit.
Sincerely,
Steve Davis – Colonie, NY
This story was featured on page 4 of the January 3rd , 2024 print edition of the Spotlight
