Council member faces backlash over controversial bus fare proposal

During a recent city council meeting, public comments highlighted significant concerns regarding local governance and social equity. Chris Jones, representing the group Hold Como Accountable, expressed disappointment over the council's handling of public presentations and the perceived disconnect between council members and the community they serve.

Jones criticized the lack of transparency, noting that the presentation materials were not made available online prior to the meeting, which he argued undermined public trust. He specifically called out Second Ward Councilperson Lisa for suggesting that charging bus fares would lead to greater appreciation of the service. Jones emphasized that many bus riders are low-income individuals or those with disabilities who may struggle to afford transportation, arguing that such a policy would disproportionately affect the city's most vulnerable populations.

He further highlighted alarming statistics from the American Community Survey, revealing a stark disparity in economic progress between Black and white residents in Columbia. Over the past five years, the unemployment rate for Black residents increased by 1.1%, while it remained unchanged for white residents. Additionally, Jones pointed out that since 2008, Black residents have seen an average pay increase of only $111, compared to $7,103 for their white counterparts.

Jones concluded his remarks by questioning the council's commitment to social services, noting that the proposed budget increase for these services was a mere 3.6%. His comments reflect a growing concern among community members about the council's responsiveness to issues of equity and the needs of marginalized groups in the city.