Here's some really interesting non-Rockies-related stuff from Denver.
Parking authorities there are now using a new, high-tech "boot" to force ticket scofflaws to pay their fines. Now Denverites can use their cell phones to call in and pay their fines by credit card. They'll receive a code to unlock the boot and go on their merry way - though they'll have to return the boot themselves or face additional fines.
Pretty neat stuff.
Comments (3)
There so many good ideas that other cities use that we don't!
But I think the press doesn't realize, or doesn't want to seem like they are "bashing" City Council or the Mayor, because it is long been the province of Councilmembers to "remove" such fines or to otherwise intervene to halt any city revenue collection from water, gas, taxes, to tickets, or any fine such as from L&I. Council has effectively made fine collection moot in their efforts to raise money for themselves.
I think there needs to be another sting where an FBI agent comes along, gives money to Council, then calls with a favor to reduce or delay some tax or fine.
If the person is a member of some voting block even, such as some religious group, social group, there is an "understanding" that boots won't even be placed during services.
The whole Council has to change from handing out favors to guarding city revenue sources for any of the new neat cool things to happen here.
Can that be done in Philly with this crew?
Posted by Anonymous | October 3, 2007 2:37 PM
Count on members of council to say, "Oh, that discriminates against those who don't have credit cards!"
Posted by Anonymous | October 3, 2007 2:39 PM
Love the new boot. Also, anyone who doesn't pay any debt, fine, lien etc to the city, the city has to report it to the credit agencies.
People have to start taking their debts to the city seriously, but first the city has to start taking it seriously.
The city council and the mayor focus on individuals, not the city as a whole that needs the fines and bills it went to the trouble to charge.
If we don't have teeth in our collections, not just phone calls, but industry standard policies, we're gonna forfeit critical revenue.
If someone has something on their credit report and they want to buy a house or a car, that debt will get addressed first.
And who is last? The city and the taxpayers.
Put city debt, fines, liens on the credit rating.
Posted by Anonymous | October 5, 2007 4:52 PM