P.O. Box 1222, Madison, WI 53701 | www.prodane.org | office@prodane.org | (608) 257-4985
Progressive Dane's General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, January 28, 2008
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Madison's Downtown Public Library
Aaron Crandall, Chairing
Treasurers Report - Mary Anglim
School Board Report - Arlene Silveira
Additional Election Committee Recommendations - Lukas Diaz
1. To endorse Arnold Harris for Town of Cross Plains (Seat 4)
2. To endorse Todd Price for State Superintendent of Schools
3. To endorse Katrina Flores in District 8
4. Various donation and purchase recommendations
Discussion regarding the recent activities surrounding the bus fare increase and the Transit and Parking Commission and how that impacts good government and process
2009 Priorities and Plan of Action - Jacque Pokorney
Posted by prodane at 08:50 AM
January 10, 2009
Jacque Pokorney, 843-9616 or juju_jacque@yahoo.com
Norm Littlejohn
Co-chairs of Progressive Dane
As supporters of good and open government, Progressive Dane asks the Mayor and Common Council to stand in support of democracy and support the initial decision of the Transit and Parking Commission regarding the bus fare discussion.
There have been many conversations since the brave and forward-thinking vote of the TPC in December. Progressive Dane wants to continue that conversation and bring another voice in support of the TPC decision as they get ready to meet January 13, after recent increasing pressure from the Mayor’s office to switch their vote.
The TPC looked at valid, national data from the American Public Transit Association as part of their thoughtful decision making process. These national data suggest that increasing bus fares could have a detrimental impact on local ridership. This is especially problematic at a time when improved ridership could help the environment, help the personal economies of middle- and low-income citizens, and move Madison toward its long-term goals in area transit. The additional argument that Kevin Hoag, TPC member, made was that raising bus fares alone without also raising parking fees is short sighted and poor policy.
Progressive Dane supports Madison’s vision of becoming a greener city. As we saw the last six months, significantly higher gas prices caused a change in behavior: increased gas prices resulted in less driving and increased bus ridership, both of which help move Madison toward being a greener city. Increasing parking fees (as one alternative) accomplishes this same sort of financial disincentive to driving while also minimizing the impact of a fare increase on ridership.
The Mayor stated in his response to the TPC decision that there was no “political advantage” to doing this. We think otherwise. There is “political advantage” for constituents who don’t ride Metro and would prefer more of the service costs be borne by actual riders. Unfortunately, this places the burden on those who can least afford it and could negatively impact the long-term health of the system. And, right now there is “political advantage” to say the argument is either raise fares or cut services--there are many options in between that could and should be considered.
Progressive Dane believes that strong leadership on this issue would allow the TPC, Metro staff, and the City to work on a solution that meets everyone’s needs - without reducing service, cutting employees, or raising fares. Some potential solutions could be found in the Metro Ad Hoc Long Range Plan. The first statement of this quality document is that the current funding system needs to be more sustainable and equitable than it is currently. The report then lists more than a dozen ideas of alternative funding sources which could be considered for this budget short-fall if the lower fares stand.
As the TPC convenes on January 13 under enormous pressure to change their vote, we encourage standing strong in putting forth creative ideas to engage the Mayor and Common Council to ensure that this dilemma is considered further. We continue to strongly support any compromises that consider the needs of low-income and disabled riders, improved marketing, and the long-term health of Metro, ridership, and maintenance of the transit for jobs program.
Progressive Dane respectfully requests the Mayor, Common Council, and residents to allow the TPC to do its job come January. The TPC is the commission empowered to make decisions regarding fares and schedules. It is important for democracy, community involvement, and our form of local government to allow them to have an open and honest debate on matters entrusted to them, without fear of consequence.
Jacque Pokorney
Norm Littlejohn
Co-chairs of Progressive Dane
Posted by prodane at 04:03 PM