Court administration fees

San Francisco is taking a step in the right direction. Take note of what San Francisco County is doing about the fees charged to defendants. The fees are rarely collected. The cost to administer the collections costs more than collected revenue. The fees are regressive for the people who are trying to get on a new path. The county garnishes salaries from those who need the money the most.

Put yourself in their place. Would you work an honest job and get garnished or make more money working the black market? Lastly, the county has the franchise tax board take earnings from tax return money. The entire system is based on money. When did the county start charging people for their parole officers? Last time I checked these people collect a salary and pension from the county. Get the priorities right and let’s give these people the ability to contribute to society.

Mark Rain

San Mateo