Sunday 25 January 1998
MICHAEL IDROGO WANTS TO SEE 'VIA' RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -- "The San Antonio Metropolitan Transit Authority,
doing business as "VIA Metropolitan Transit,' is neither a department of
the City of San Antonio, nor a corporation. They are a public agency
that has been haphazardly formed under Texas legislative revisions;
subject to review under the Texas Sunset Act; and to which I
have exercised the Right to Petition Government, and ask the Texas
Sunset Commission to abolish the San Antonio Metropolitan Transit
Authority."
"There is great anger from the taxpayers and public users; and apparently
absolute arrogance by the authority and the transit company. Even in 1985,
they fought a federal case all the way to the Supreme Court -- they were
claiming 'immunity' -- the United States Supreme Court disagreed unanimously.
'VIA' lost that case."
"Today, disabled citizens are highly upset -- they have petitioned 'VIA'
and the City of San Antonio (Mayor and City Council) with nothing gained;
they say are having to resort to a lawsuit for protection under the
Americans with Disabilities Act."
"There is also the issue of our bus company going into the SALOON business?!
'VIA' purchased the AMTRAK Sunset Depot that has provided for
round-the-clock passenger train service since 1903. They claimed they
were going to make it into a multimodal transportation center. Today,
they have kicked out AMTRAK and are converting the depot into a SALOON.
There are appearances of violations of Federal and State law. It appears
to be graft -- taking from the public for private gain!"
"Further, the authority, 'VIA' recently tried to initiate a telephone usage
tax upon its taxpayers saying they needed extra funding in order to stay
afoat. It was discovered soon there after that 'VIA' had an $80 MILLION
dollar surplus! They backed-off on the 'telephone usage tax' while saying
they still may need to impose it later."
"These are serious questions involving multi-millions of taxpayer dollars.
There is appearance of mismanagment. There is more that can be questioned.
There is enough to warrant a review under the Texas Sunset Act by the
commission. Those who are upset with 'VIA's service should also contact
the Texas Sunset Commission and ask for review," concludes Michael
Idrogo.
xxx
Demand SUNSET review of 'VIA' San Antonio Metropolitan Transit Authority!
(210) 733-9555
https://www.angelfire.com/tx/samta
Press conference held in front of "VIA METROPOLITAN TRANSIT" dba for
San Antonio Metropolitan Transit Authority
EXERCISE YOUR "right to petition government!"
Contact the TEXAS SUNSET COMMISSION and
demand SUNSET review of 'VIA' San Antonio Metropolitan Transit Authority!
