Source: J.R. Davis / WOLDCNews.Com
In a move that many in the city of Washington, D.C. including me “Winston Chaney” thought was simply irrational; Mayor Muriel Bowser has stepped in and exercised her Veto Power.
She vetoed a measure Wednesday that would decriminalize fare evasion on Metro. In other words the City Council vote is telling criminals that it’s ok to illegally jump the turnstile at Metro Subway entrances.
The move follows the D.C. Council’s approval of the bill in a 10-2 vote last month. It would make evasion a civil offense, subject to a fine of up to $50. Currently a criminal offense, those who refuse to pay there fare face arrest, jail time and a significantly higher fine.
Supporters of the bill say the current criminal penalties disproportionately affect African-Americans.
Metro loses about $25 million alone from those who don’t pay their proper fair.
Metro officials applauded the veto!!!
METRO SPOKEMAN STESSEL: “We truly appreciate Mayor Bowser’s leadership on this issue and stand ready to work with the Council to develop solutions that address their stated goal of making Metro accessible to people of limited means, while maintaining safety and fairness for the customers we serve.”
D.C. Councilman Charles Allen said in a statement that criminalizing “something as small as not being able to pay a $2 bus far” creates more problems for public safety.
The City Council now has chance to override the Veto and it’s predicted to be overridden.
