This affirmation was taken in light of the rejection
of this position by the Steering Committee at its
January 12 meeting.
The Governance Committee also voted unanimously at
its January 12 meeting to SUBMIT THE ISSUE OF FARES
TO DISCUSSION AT THE NEXT RESCUE MUNI GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
MEETING. Something needs to be done to clear up what
seems to be a fundamental difference in outlook between
many members of Rescue Muni on one side, and the
Steering Committee on the other side.
The next General Membership meeting is tentatively
scheduled for the middle of February.
I think that Dave Jansson summed up the fare issue
pretty well in his January 14 comments. He said:
"I am most definitely opposed to a fare increase. For me,
$35 a month for a fastpass is alot. I've seen comments
from other RM members that say they'd gladly pay more if
it meant better service. I'd love better service, but I
can't afford to pay much more, and there are plenty of
people worse off than me. We shouldn't discourage people
from riding Muni by raising fares."
The response by at least one member of the Steering
Committee to the Governance Committee's request for a
discussion about fares reveals the high-handed and
bureaucratic way debate is currently handled within
Rescue Muni. Howard Strassner, the Steering Committee
Secretary, tells us that "The RM bylaws do not provide
for a vote on this governance resolution at GM Meeting."
(January 22)
Come on, Howard, be real.
There is a special Steering Committee meeting scheduled
for this evening, Wednesday, January 28. This meeting
has NOT been posted on the Rescue Muni hotline.
Steering Committee meetings are open to all members.
Tonight's meeting starts at 6pm. It takes place at the
Sierra Club building at 85 Second Street, probably on the
third floor.
Perhaps the Steering Committee will reconsider its
position on fares at tonight's meeting.