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Richard Ravitch, a vital civic titan, former MTA Chair, and the unwavering Lieutenant Governor of New York State, has passed away at the age of 89.

Best known for his remarkable commitment to public service, Ravitch was a mainstay in the Big Apple's civic world, making his mark through decades of ceaseless efforts to rescue and revitalize New York City.

Richard Ravitch : A Man of Inventive Solutions and Steadfast Leadership

Richard Ravitch, a businessman by trade, leveraged his private sector acumen to craft inventive solutions to the city's complex financial challenges.

With a knack for turning fiscal tides, Ravitch helped pull New York City back from the brink of financial collapse in the 1970s and the state's mass transit system in the 1980s.

As MTA Chair, Ravitch demonstrated his brilliance in navigating financial storms by implementing an ingenious plan of selling MTA buses and train cars to private corporations, who would then lease them back to the city in exchange for tax incentives.

The New York City native's revenue-generating strategy minimized fare increases and maintained public transportation's affordability.

 An Unwavering Cheerleader for the City

In many ways, Richard Ravitch was seen as one of the architects of the modern mass transit system.

Current MTA Chair and CEO, Janno Leiber, extolled Ravitch's legacy, recognizing his instrumental role in the development of the MTA and his commitment to fostering New York's revival, starting in the late 1970s.

Ravitch was also renowned for his steadfast leadership during crises.

Despite never being elected, he provided steady and savvy guidance, acting as the city's tireless cheerleader.

This was evident in 2009, when Governor David Paterson recruited him to steady the ship as Lieutenant Governor amidst the tumult of Eliot Spitzer's resignation.

Tributes Flow for Ravitch

Across New York, tributes poured in for Richard Ravitch.

Governor Kathy Hochul described him as "a titan of New York's civic world" and credited him for his "wisdom and thoughtful advice." Former NYC Mayor, Mike Bloomberg, also acknowledged the city's "great debt of gratitude" to Ravitch.

Whether rallying public support, coming up with creative solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges, or passionately serving as Lieutenant Governor, Richard Ravitch's impact on New York will long be remembered.

His lifetime of service stands as a testament to the significant contributions that private sector leaders can make to their communities, even without holding elected office.

 Remembering Richard Ravitch

Richard Ravitch's death leaves a palpable void in the fabric of New York City's civic landscape.

Yet, his legacy continues to inspire, offering a lasting lesson that in a democracy, governing well often requires playing ball and navigating politics with astute skill.

Despite his passing, Richard Ravitch's mark on New York will endure as a guiding beacon, shining a light on the power of commitment, innovation, and civic responsibility.