David Brauer brings up the issue of car towing in the city of Minneapolis. I think that this can be looked at as an issue of livability. The city used to tow cars itself, but sometime in the 1980's started contracting out this function to private towing companies. Whenever you make someone's income dependant on volume and speed, you introduce factors that alter the situation. Even though I have been towed more times than I like (living downtown makes it almost inevitable), I have no problem with towing cars. However, the tow companies' motivations are to tow away as many cars as possible within the shortest time. When the city had the concession, the tow drivers were more willing to work with city residents. After all, the city wants the particular street cleared. If you can rescue your car then you should be able to do it without paying a forced tax or charge. Not anymore.
About 2 years ago during a snow emergency period, I asked a driver of a private towing company where the parking restrictions were. He didn't know and he was pissed because I was slowing him down with my question. This arrangement is easier for the city, but hell on the residents. We have had this discussion before about the city's towing practices in neighborhoods like Loring Park, Stevens Sq, Southeast. In terms of parking, these neighborhoods fit Jim Graham's definition of an "impacted neighborhood." The solution of city staff's problems, no need to communicate with the public, and collecting money the easiest way possible takes precendence over resident livability. If you don't have an off-street parking spot in these "impacted" neighborhoods, you have to spent significant amounts of time dodging the tow trucks during the snow season. Should the city go back to towing cars? Should there be some type of honest discussion of the rules that the towing companies operate under? Should there be an honest discussion of the rates that are charged and how much the split is between the city and the private companies? Yes to all these questions. I also think that we should only discuss towing charges and policies on city streets. David Wilson Loring Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
