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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tony Payton, Jr.
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Payton calls on Philadelphia Parking Authority to clarify its mission
HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Tony Payton Jr., D-Phila., is introducing legislation that would require greater transparency and accountability in the Philadelphia Parking Authority's internal operations.
"The parking authority is ineffective, bloated and not serving the needs of the public," Payton said. "Lack of a clear mission, inconsistent ticketing practices and negative press are detrimental to the city's residents, tourism industry and economic development. If the parking authority isn't taking a look in the mirror now, then it's time the legislature stepped in."
Payton's proposed legislation would require the Philadelphia Parking Authority to
have its annual audits performed by a certified public accountant appointed by
the state auditor general. The legislation would also require the audit reports
to be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and in a Philadelphia newspaper of
general circulation.
In addition to a traditional audit, the legislation would require a forensic audit to review current and past practices at the PPA, including a full evaluation of its criteria for ticketing and the determination of parking sign language and placement. The forensic audit would require a comparison on practices from at least two other comparable cities.
The bill would also require the PPA to prepare and maintain a detailed statement outlining the mission of the PPA.
"Philadelphia has a history unlike any other city and has so much to offer to its residents, tourists and businesses," Payton said. "You shouldn’t have to fight a 'Parking War' over a wrongfully cited parking ticket or booted tire. The parking authority should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of the city, or make life impossible to the people who work, live and visit."