Jacksonville "Parking Posse"

[Richard Murphy]

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-05-16/story/handicapped-par...

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have really seen the epitome of political malfeasance.  This city has a VOLUNTEER group of people that police the handicapped parking freeing up the police to preform more important duties in protecting their citizens.

If you have seen the TV reality series "Parking Wars" you will have a good idea of what these volunteers go through on a daily basis.  NO pay and you are all painfully aware of the cost of gas all to insure that people are not abusing the handicapped parking regulations.  It costs my family several thousand dollars a year to preform this service.

You are probably asking yourselves why am I telling you all this... well folks the city council today told us that they are eliminating the "parking posse" since it will save the city $59,000 per year.  Well what wasn't said was that the revenues from this group exceeds $100,000 per year.  I don't know about you but it sure sounds like Obama mathematics to me.  Let's flood city hall with an appeal for the real truth behind this misguided carriage .  You will see above the Times Union report.

Respectfully Submitted

Richard (Dick) Murphy

[Richard Murphy]

Thank you for your comments, in all my years and experience this situation smacks of a deeper personal issue.  Politics at its worse, the question that arises is why now before a new administration is issued into office?  If it is successful and generates income you don't eliminate the program?  If this doesn't sound like a personal vendetta nothing does and I have a bridge in Brooklyn you might want to buy!  Below is an e-mail from Dan McCarthy I received about 35 mins. ago

 

This article is very disappointing to read.  I know how much work went into setting up the Disabled Parking Posse Program…and how successful it was.  It was best possible example of City Govt doing more with less.  The revenue stream was impressive…as was the impact of this service on those in our community with physical restrictions.  The folks in Parking Division NEVER believed in this program.  When we set this up they met with me to tell me it would never work, and be a source of great problems for all. They were completely wrong.  We had long list of volunteers, used the revenue to fund wonderful programs for Disabled citizens, and the problems were few. 

 

Dan McCarthy