LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
I am disappointed. Fifty [years] after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life while helping low-income local workers, MATA is proposing to make life more miserable for low-income bus riders by cutting and eliminating bus service across Shelby County.
Be aware, those who live in Boxtown, Westwood, New Chicago, Northaven, Whitehaven, and areas near the University of Memphis Area and Shelby Farms. MATA is proposing to eliminate the 5 Central, 6 Northhaven, 31 Firestone, 38 Boxtown, 46 Whitehaven, and 47 Shelby Farms Park to balance its annual budget. Cutting those routes will also mean the end of public transportation for residents who depend on MATAPLUS for their transportation needs.
I understand that MATA is required to balance its budget. But I believe there is something fundamentally and morally wrong about MATA balancing its budget on the backs of low-income bus riders when there are other ways: Streamline its administration; Impose a hiring freeze; Initiate administrative salary caps; Put smaller buses on routes in communities where big buses are not necessary; Incorporate service changes by riders, current and retired bus drivers who know the bus routes better than some members of the MATA administration.
If it is true, as MATA claims, that the system is experiencing heavy financial troubles beyond its control, maybe the time has come for MATA to file Chapter 9 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In doing so, MATA may be able to seek protection from its creditors while organizing a plan to adjust and repay debts. At the same time, MATA may be able to buy the much-needed time to strengthen the public transportation system so bus riders will no longer have to constantly worry about losing their transportation lifeline every six months.
I am convinced that if MATA wants the citizens of Shelby County to support a dedicated funding source to provide an additional $30 million for its annual operating budget, MATA must first prove it can provide adequate public transportation for current riders who are struggling to live productive lives.
The MATA board is scheduled to vote on its proposed service cuts at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. If approved, route cuts would begin Nov. 11. Join us at the meeting. Let your voices be heard loud and clear.
Johnnie Mosley, chairman, Citizens For Better Service
Brava, Memphis Symphony Orchestra
The standing-room-only crowd in Harris Concert Hall on Sept. 15 at “Opening Night at the Scheidt” rose to its feet with spontaneous applause several times. The debut of the new conductor of the University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Harvey Felder, felt like a Leonard Bernstein moment. There was palpable excitement as the audience came to appreciate the power, skill and discipline of this remarkable student orchestra as it played the Die Fledermaus Overture. Tears were combined with shouts of “Brava” when soprano Maria Fasciano concluded “Un bel dì vedremo” from Madame Butterfly.
The audience of seasoned classical music aficionados sustained a long standing ovation as the magical evening came to a close. This memorable and free event was the beginning of a season that offers 38 more events on the Harris Auditorium stage, almost all at no cost. Since I parked conveniently right across the street on Central from the Scheidt School event, I felt a pang of pity for those having to struggle to get to venues such as Lincoln Center or Boston Symphony Hall. As our days get darker in autumn I’m grateful for the upcoming concerts to brighten long evenings.
Dana McKelvy, Germantown