The ordinance: Commute Card Pass Agreements

Authorizing the Metro Transit General Manager to enter into agreements with businesses and organizations with fewer than 1,000 participants in the Metro Transit service area interested in providing a pass program to their employees, students or other affiliated individuals to take fixed route and ADA paratransit rides on Metro Transit.

Remember Progressive Dane working on this program? It passed. Now it'll be easier for people to use the bus system and for them to get to their jobs or classes.

A recap from Brenda Konkel's blog:

Item #60 – Small Business Bus pass
[I missed part of this]Mark Clear snarkily notes that he wished bus advocates would be here tonight to support this and wonder where they are. [He may have had another point in there, but it got lost with his snotty comments.]

Satya Rhodes-Conway [No doubt prompted by Clear's comments]says this is something she started working on through Progressive Dane, before she was on the Council. She said when Progressive Dane, Downtown Madison Inc and the Chamber of Commerce agree on something, that's kind of amazing and a good thing. [Susan Schmitz from Downtown Madison Inc nods her head in agreement She thanks staff, particularly Metro staff for working through this. She notes that you can get information to participate in the program atmymetrobus.com.

Passes without further discussion on a voice vote.

This year we will be honoring Brenda Konkel with the Kathy Schroeder Award for her unparalleled efforts to make and keep government transparent.

We will also be honoring Mary Anglim with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her work on several Progressive Dane committees and in the community.

Norm Littlejohn has provided design and words for almost every poster, flyer, or mailer you see. We honor his work by recognizing him as Media Guru Extraordinaire.

The public is most welcome, so bring your friends who need to know about Progressive Dane.

Bring along a Potluck Snack.

Please send your check to:
Progressive Dane
PO Box 1222
Madison, WI 53701

e-mail office@prodane.org or donate on-line.

Come celebrate with Progressive Dane, show your support, and help us continue our work in the coming year!

Sponsorship calls are being made. Suggestioned donations: $25, $50, $100 or what you can afford.

Thank you for your support of Progressive Dane.

In addition to the regular staff, treasurer, and elected reports, there will be a
Summary and other information on the formation of the RTA and
Wrap up conversation on the outcomes of the City & County Budgets.
The Final Reading & Vote on the Progressive Dane County Platform will occur,
And there should be time for announcements.

So you say you want a (local) revolution? Well, how are you going to get there, without power? While it is true that many of the obstacles we face in moving to greener, more peaceful future involve a lack of information, organization, and initiative, it’s also true that for every local independent business alliance promoting sustainability, there is a Chamber of Commerce organization claiming that global warming doesn’t exist.

Progressive Dane is an independent local political party that has served Madison and Dane County for 16 years. We will present some local examples of how we have worked with residents and groups to promote more progressive policies at the city and county level. Come hear about the projects of United for Funding, Operation Welcome Home, Student Progressive Dane, Immigrant Workers Union, Affordable Housing Action Alliance, and Friends of Union Corners.

At the monthly Progressive Dane (PD) General Membership meeting on October 28, an updated County Platform was presented for consideration. The platform reaffirms and refines the party’s commitment to economic justice; open, efficient and democratic governments; public safety and justice; sustainable land use, transportation, and environmental policies; affordable housing; and quality human services. Membership will vote on the final platform in November.

Chair: Jacque Pokorney

Elected Report - Satya Rhodes-Conway on the City Budget
Autumn Assembly Outcomes and Next Steps - Jacque Pokorney
First Reading of the 2010-11 County Platform - Lukas Diaz
2010 Steering Committee - Vote
Announcements

Individuals who are not members of Progressive Dane are very much encouraged to attend.

Anyone with questions or special needs should contact the Progressive Dane office at 358-2940 or office@prodane.org.

Join or Renew today - http://www.prodane.org/get_involved/become_member/

The resolution being considered is to create a governing structure (as defined by state law) that can plan and coordinate transportation throughout the Madison Metropolitan area. This resolution does not contain language about particular modes of transportation.

Those in favor of establishing a Regional Transit Authority are encouraged to show up at this meeting to express their support.

If approved at this joint committee meeting, the resolution is scheduled to be considered by the full Dane County Board of Supervisors on November 5th.

Interested citizens can attend the hearing to present their concerns to the Board. Those wishing to speak will each have five minutes to address the Board.

Unable to attend? E-mail your concerns to county_board_recipients@co.dane.wi.us