The commuters from a few south metropolitan exurbs (Lakeville and Farmington) of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area are up in arms about a new permit system at a closer-in suburban bus station. Area residents and commuters from Apple Valley and Burnsville pay a regional transit tax to supply bus service around the area and to the downtowns of Minneapolis and St. Paul. However, they've been frustrated by a lack of parking at one of the transit stations, caused by as many as 60% of the commuters being from areas outside the transit tax area. The city council recently passed an ordinance requiring permits for parking, available only to residents of the municipalities who pay the taxes supporting the transit.
The reaction from the freeloaders?
"If it's a public transit facility, it should be open and accessible to members of the public, and Farmington residents, last time I checked, were part of the public," said Farmington Mayor Kevan Soderberg, who said he's gotten calls from residents who said they would organize a boycott of Apple Valley businesses if the permit system goes into effect...Let's check the logic here. These exurban residents elected "no new taxes" Republicans to the state legislature (and probably local office) with over 60% of the vote in 2006. And yet, when denied access to a desired public service that they do not pay for, they raise holy hell.
Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington, called the permit plan unfair and said if Apple Valley moves ahead, he'll consider introducing a bill next session to prohibit cities from requiring permits at transit stations.
I've got two words for you, transit freeloaders: pay up!
Note: the boycott threat is particularly amusing. Checking the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce website shows seven listings for retail stores, all national chains. Oh no, don't boycott Wal-mart, they might go out of business!
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