The city of Los Angeles last week shut down a "gold card"
program that allowed certain officials to expedite challenges to parking
tickets.
The
decision was understandable as public relations, given the spectacle of favored
people getting special service and privileges. But it might not have been the
right move for a city desperately in need of new revenues.
A better
solution: let any Angeleno who wants this kind of service purchase a "gold
card" instead. You pony up extra to the city treasury, you get better service.
Yes, it’s
not ideal. It’s not egalitarian. But it recognizes fiscal and political
realities. The wealthy and well connected are going to get special help any
way. So make them pay for it.
The state
and other local governments might consider doing the same thing.