Muni Charter Amendments Offer Different SolutionsPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Jul. 09‚ 2007Everyone agrees that Muni is struggling, but not everyone has the same solution. In 2005, voters rejected Proposition D to reform the Municipal Transit Authority (MTA) – despite the unelected body having just passed a fare hike and service cuts that adversely affected low-income riders. Now two Supervisors who both supported Prop D have each submitted a Charter Amendment for November, with widely divergent solutions. Jake McGoldrick would reduce the MTA’s power by allowing the Supervisors to amend its budget, which could prevent future fare hikes and service cuts. But Aaron Peskin would increase the MTA’s clout. All revenue from parking meters and fines ($26 million) would go directly to Muni, and the MTA will have exclusive authority to regulate parking and traffic. While this would guarantee funding for Muni, it will not change a basic issue – who gets to decide Muni’s budget priorities. |