From: kirkireland@earthlink.net (Kirk Ireland)
Date: Sat Sep 19 11:04:06 1998
Subject: [sfskaters] "Stall" the Skate Pilot Program?

Hello D,

 I saw the article too, sounded suspiciously friendly!!! I've been meaning
to talk to you for some time about a fear of a set up being arranged for
the skaters. You know politicians...

I'm afraid the new skating ordinance will be too restrictive. Therefore
most skaters will not abide by it, certin streets only, no head phones,
helmets, etc

Then when those that don't abide are cited, police will be given carte
blance to cite violators, probably without mercy, the whole thing will
backfire and be used against us. "we gave those skaters a chance and they
blew it"

My suggestion is to stall it out, not only past the Nov election, but past
the following mayorial election. We don't want to risk being just another
of 37 different groups being "wined and dined" By stall it out, I mean
raise the ante.The powers that be have conceded this much now lets ask for
more.

WE WANT EQUAL TREATMENT WITH BICYCLES. ANY STREETS BUT FREEWAYS. TAKE ALL
BICYCLE REGULATIONS AND ADD "AND SKATES".

There really should be no distinction and each skater can always share the
bike lane, many of us are both.

I feel very strongly about this and I have had political experience with
local politics, was even on some boards and commissions here in Calif.

Remind me to talk with you about this when we meet up

By the way, I think you should run for Supervisor in the year 2000 when we
go to district elections in SF, I'm very serious, the salary is liveable,
you have a name, and a issue Golden Gate Park. There would have to be a
little cozying up to the Chinese concerns in the Richmond/Sunset, mainly
zoning issues/bldg permits, you are perfect, keep the Mayor and Supervisor
Amianno(sic) happy but stall... mention that you're not sure you can be
sure the skaters will go along,and shoot for equal status with bicycles.