Jim Madaffer = populist?
Warning: For local-politics wonks only.
I’ve been reading through the SANDAG transportation committee meeting minutes from Oct. 5, specifically an item about the proposed bus fare increases. City Councilmember Jim Madaffer sits on the committee. After a presentation about the fare changes, committee chairman (and Escondido City Councilmember) Ed Gallo noted that a lot of people had signed up to comment on the fare increase and he asked that speakers keep their comments brief and try not to repeat something that’s already been said.
Then Madaffer chimed in, arguing that “the members of the public have the right to speak and are welcome to use their own discretion… as to the length of their comments.”
Madaffer, a Republican who will be termed out in 2008, is becoming more populist by the day. Recently he publicly supported gay marriage and for a long time he’s championed a permanent homeless shelter. As CityBeat editor Dave Rolland joked with me in an e-mail earlier today, “his offenses (Grantville, Mike Gotch, that park in City Heights) are fading from memory as he begins his ride into the sunset.”
That’s all really nice and whatnot but those of us now living in the shadow of the MINIDORMS will not forget being overlooked for so long. Enjoy that sunset, Jimbo.