Rescue Muni

Today’s Chronicle discusses a compromise that is supported by Mayor Newsom and union leaders. Also the Examiner discusses it. As we understand it this is based on the Peskin measure that we support, with some changes, notably one fewer Supervisorial vote required to reject the budget, and many fewer employees (2.75% instead of 10%, but up from the current 1.5) that can actually be hired and fired at will by the director. Additional funding for Muni is retained. We’ll have an analysis when we can see the text.

The following letter (also in pdf) went out to the Supervisors tonight, who are tomorrow considering proposals to further reform Muni. Rescue Muni supports the Peskin amendment (Re-Reform) and opposes the McGoldrick amendment (Un-Reform).

Read the rest of this entry »

Some news this week:

The Central Subway project (proposed from SOMA to Chinatown) has run into various delays and cost overruns but is still very much in San Francisco’s plans. Rescue Muni board member Howard Strassner has an alternative that would be much less expensive – rider comments please! Note that Rescue Muni’s policy now is to recommend extension of the central subway to North Beach, rather than stopping it at Clay Street as currently planned.

Update: The Examiner discussed this proposal this week.

(Details after the jump.)

Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s more on the terrible initiative to require massive increases in parking in residential developments citywide, thanks to our friends at The Usual Suspects: Matt Smith (SF Weekly) with a detailed critique of the “Profits for Developers Initiative,” and SF Bay Guardian. Included in this measure are massive delays to YOUR bus, due to much easier permitting for curb cuts for garage construction in any home citywide, even if there is a bus stop already serving thousands of riders a day.

Though this is officially sponsored by the Council of District Merchants (tell your local merchant you walked or took the bus to shop!), it’s largely funded by Gap founder Don Fisher and Webcor Builders.

To help defeat this, join Rescue Muni now and we will keep you posted!