Metro Jacksonville

Jacksonville by Neighborhood => Downtown => Topic started by: thelakelander on March 24, 2012, 07:32:29 AM

Title: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: thelakelander on March 24, 2012, 07:32:29 AM
QuoteTwo members of Jacksonville’s City Council want to use taxpayer money to subsidize parking inside City Hall for council members.

Council President Stephen Joost filed legislation (2012-202) that will be introduced Tuesday, and has picked up a co-sponsorship from Johnny Gaffney.

If enough members approve it, and if it’s continued into the next budget year, the cost would be about $18,000 annually.

Some council members, who are paid $44,100 annually, already lease spaces inside the building for about $85 a month. Others park on the street but say they are running risks by being public servants and they deserve free parking.

“We should be able to get in and out of our cars without having to interact” with an angry voter, Councilman Reggie Brown said. “I should not have to pay for safety.”

full article: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-03-23/story/jacksonville-council-members-push-taxpayers-subsidize-parking
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Garden guy on March 24, 2012, 08:25:07 AM
At 44k..they make more in their part time job than many many people make in full time jobs..let the people who voted them in pay for their parking.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Bativac on March 24, 2012, 08:47:28 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on March 24, 2012, 07:32:29 AM
Quote“We should be able to get in and out of our cars without having to interact” with an angry voter, Councilman Reggie Brown said. “I should not have to pay for safety.”

Give me a break. These guys act like they're the president of the United States or something. You're a city councilman. Somehow I don't think you're in mortal danger walking from your car into the building. Not to mention - you work part time and you're making over $40k a year which is more than my wife, my sister, my brother, etc. make working 40+ hours a week. Pay the $85 a month out of your salary for a space inside the building. Or carpool.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: thelakelander on March 24, 2012, 09:03:05 AM
My bill is $90/month to park a block away from my building and I don't get the extra $44k.  They should just pay for their parking like everyone else down here has to.  If they don't want to, then don't run for the position, carpool, use mass transit, bike, or do a mix of all.

In reality, those of us who are in downtown on a daily basis are all negatively impacted by downtown's parking situation.  Those who visit and aren't familiar with the area are also negatively impacted as well.  Businesses, who's customers routinely get ticketed are negatively impacted as well.  Perhaps, it's time for the council to seriously address the larger issue, which helps stymie market rate downtown development, instead of only worrying about themselves.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Tacachale on March 24, 2012, 09:53:46 AM
This doesn't bother me at all. The mayor doesn't pay for his own parking or park on the street. If this is how they want to use part of their own travel budget, fine. It's not like they're trying to raise taxes or fees or anything - they're trying to use money already budgeted to the council to manage something for the council.

Of course the timing's not great considering the budget cuts, but when would be better? And the "safety" issue is obviously a wash. If they want to be "safe", they could park in City Hall now if they shelled out the $80 bucks a month. But if they'd rather budget this than, say, one of their Tallahassee trips, let them.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: thelakelander on March 24, 2012, 10:00:54 AM
From that perspective, I'm fine with it.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: buckethead on March 24, 2012, 10:12:56 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on March 24, 2012, 09:03:05 AM
My bill is $90/month to park a block away from my building and I don't get the extra $44k.  They should just pay for their parking like everyone else down here has to.  If they don't want to, then don't run for the position, carpool, use mass transit, bike, or do a mix of all.

In reality, those of us who are in downtown on a daily basis are all negatively impacted by downtown's parking situation.  Those who visit and aren't familiar with the area are also negatively impacted as well.  Businesses, who's customers routinely get ticketed are negatively impacted as well.  Perhaps, it's time for the council to seriously address the larger issue, which helps stymie market rate downtown development, instead of only worrying about themselves.
Like^
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: buckethead on March 24, 2012, 10:15:32 AM
I am not fine with it because it allows councilpersons to ignore the plight of the general public.

It exempts them from living as the rest of us are forced to do.

Pay or free parking for all.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: avs on March 24, 2012, 10:58:57 AM
Gaffney doesn't repond to the people in his district that he works for, and this is what he is spending his time on???? 
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: NthDegree on March 24, 2012, 11:27:04 AM
Pretty inflammatory headline.

Three hot buttons:  "council members push[ing]" "taxpayers subsidize[ing]" "downtown parking [problems]"
And it appears to have produced the predictable and desired reaction.   
   
              TU: +1
City Council:   0

Too bad the readers let the TU do the thinking for them. 
I agree with tachachale, let them allocate budgeted money to pay for parking if they prefer.     
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: buckethead on March 24, 2012, 11:29:13 AM
Nth.... Are you a councilperson?
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: TheCat on March 24, 2012, 11:46:14 AM
their quoted statements are soooooo audacious that a simple explanation of realigning budgeted dollars becomes irrelevant. their statements, in the context of the article, come across as disrespectful, aloof and arrogant.

but, i'm a big fan of political honesty. and we should applaud their willingness to be upfront with their arrogance.

Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: NthDegree on March 24, 2012, 12:15:39 PM
TheCat:  Granted, some of the council members' statements are stunningly stupid and selfish sounding.

buckethead: No, but I keep my eye on things in Jacksonville. Mostly I just lurk.  And thanks for asking, I'm flattered because you have fairly well run city.  Not that I agree with the way leadership prioritizes transportation. Not that I don't think you have elected (and appointed) a few arrogant yahoos here and there.  On this issue, in particular, you've got some residual anxiety over the violent murder of a high profile community leader and so, an attempt to "make things safer" for those in public sight.  And even if the justification is misunderstood and the attempt weak, it is rational.                             
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: peestandingup on March 24, 2012, 12:45:11 PM
These people are idiots & aren't connecting the dots to their own dilemma. Its been discussed to death, but I'm 100% convinced a big part of downtown's problems stems for their parking/metering policies. There's meters everywhere. Every-where. Paid surface lots too. And usually tons of empty ones at that. Yet none in Avondale, 5 Points, King, San Marco, etc. So guess where people go & guess where businesses move to??

If they have to go, let them pay for parking in a deserted downtown like the rest of people down there have to do. Or make parking free.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Noone on March 24, 2012, 01:37:50 PM
The legislation will be withdrawn.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Lunican on March 24, 2012, 01:40:59 PM
Aren't they paid to interact with angry voters?
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Ralph W on March 24, 2012, 11:20:53 PM
Our Council reps aren't first responders. They don't have to get somewhere in a hurry. I propose an ordinance that will get them free parking, on the top level, of the King St. garage and a free skyway pass for the duration of their terms.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Marley Weinstein on March 25, 2012, 12:35:44 AM
Quote from: Ralph W on March 24, 2012, 11:20:53 PM
Our Council reps aren't first responders. They don't have to get somewhere in a hurry. I propose an ordinance that will get them free parking, on the top level, of the King St. garage and a free skyway pass for the duration of their terms.

+1
great compromise to the situation
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Ocklawaha on March 25, 2012, 11:09:46 AM
Bottom line, it all comes back to needless meters and poorly run mass transit.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: mtraininjax on March 26, 2012, 03:12:47 PM
Quote“We should be able to get in and out of our cars without having to interact” with an angry voter, Councilman Reggie Brown said. “I should not have to pay for safety.”

My my, how Mr. Brown forgets who elected him. Pathetic message this sends to the younger generation. Maybe he needs an armed escort as well? If you put all of the council people pictures on one side and the names on the right, how many people in Jacksonville could match them all?

Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: tufsu1 on March 26, 2012, 08:30:04 PM
umm..I hadn't heard that the Mayor had weighed in on thios...my understanding is this is coming from Council (you know the legislative branch)
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: cityimrov on March 27, 2012, 03:24:46 PM
So, what's wrong with giving the city council a subsidiary for parking?  It's not a big deal. 

If I worked somewhere I expect them to provide me with parking or a transportation subsidiary.

Quote from: Ralph W on March 24, 2012, 11:20:53 PM
Our Council reps aren't first responders. They don't have to get somewhere in a hurry. I propose an ordinance that will get them free parking, on the top level, of the King St. garage and a free skyway pass for the duration of their terms.

Can't work.  Skyway closes at 9PM.  Official city council meetings can last all night.  Unofficial meetings even longer.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: cline on March 27, 2012, 03:29:39 PM
Quote from: cityimrov on March 27, 2012, 03:24:46 PM
So, what's wrong with giving the city council a subsidiary for parking?  It's not a big deal. 

If I worked somewhere I expect them to provide me with parking or a transportation subsidiary.

Quote from: Ralph W on March 24, 2012, 11:20:53 PM
Our Council reps aren't first responders. They don't have to get somewhere in a hurry. I propose an ordinance that will get them free parking, on the top level, of the King St. garage and a free skyway pass for the duration of their terms.

Can't work.  Skyway closes at 9PM.  Official city council meetings can last all night.  Unofficial meetings even longer.

Many businesses downtown don't pay for employees parking.  Council can pay for their own...they can afford it.

And the safety excuse...that's a joke.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: cityimrov on March 27, 2012, 03:33:13 PM
Quote from: cline on March 27, 2012, 03:29:39 PM
Quote from: cityimrov on March 27, 2012, 03:24:46 PM
So, what's wrong with giving the city council a subsidiary for parking?  It's not a big deal. 

If I worked somewhere I expect them to provide me with parking or a transportation subsidiary.

Quote from: Ralph W on March 24, 2012, 11:20:53 PM
Our Council reps aren't first responders. They don't have to get somewhere in a hurry. I propose an ordinance that will get them free parking, on the top level, of the King St. garage and a free skyway pass for the duration of their terms.

Can't work.  Skyway closes at 9PM.  Official city council meetings can last all night.  Unofficial meetings even longer.

Many businesses downtown don't pay for employees parking.

What downtown businesses?  From what I see, downtown has plenty of for lease signs around. 
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: tufsu1 on March 27, 2012, 04:07:54 PM
are you implying that all the companies in the office buildings aren't businesses?
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Noone on March 27, 2012, 04:24:49 PM
Under the reorg. the new Authority will control all the Parking revenue? So what an opportunity to get free parking.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Ralph W on March 28, 2012, 12:51:55 AM
Quote from: cityimrov on March 27, 2012, 03:33:13 PM
Quote from: cline on March 27, 2012, 03:29:39 PM
Quote from: cityimrov on March 27, 2012, 03:24:46 PM
So, what's wrong with giving the city council a subsidiary for parking?  It's not a big deal. 

If I worked somewhere I expect them to provide me with parking or a transportation subsidiary.

Quote from: Ralph W on March 24, 2012, 11:20:53 PM
Our Council reps aren't first responders. They don't have to get somewhere in a hurry. I propose an ordinance that will get them free parking, on the top level, of the King St. garage and a free skyway pass for the duration of their terms.

Can't work.  Skyway closes at 9PM.  Official city council meetings can last all night.  Unofficial meetings even longer.

Many businesses downtown don't pay for employees parking.

What downtown businesses?  From what I see, downtown has plenty of for lease signs around. 

Hey, these are important people and important people always deserve perks. I think we can afford to run special after hours skyway cars to get our selfless public servants back to their cars at the King Street garage if they've been working real hard on our behalf.

Besides, isn't there also safety in numbers? No late night thug would dare bother a gaggle of stalwart important citizens wending their way back to their personal transportation in the wee hours of the morning after a hard day looking after the people's business.
Title: Re: Council members push for taxpayers to subsidize their downtown parking
Post by: Garden guy on March 28, 2012, 08:45:00 AM
Their excuse of cost is ludicris...they'll vote time after time to lower taxes so the city is in shambles but they want fucking free parking? I say toss them all on their asses and start with  fresh new non-conservatives...