The Observation Deck

A couple of years ago selected citizens were appointed to the "parking lot" committee. There task was to analyze the cost and benefits of various City lots. When I suggested to one member of the committe that they take a look at the largest City owned parking lot he asked, "Which one?"

"The one behind City Hall", I answered.

I don't think he took me seriously!

Here is the proposal:

City workers pay $5 a day for parking. City workers who are Lakewood residents pay nothing for parking (think of it as a residency incentive).

The $350,000 raised each year could be used for parking lot mainenance and repairs. The money could also be used to fund the purchase of land for parking.

Encouraging people to live in the City where they work helps to save gas and the environment. Its not just about the money it's about the future, the environment and the children!

Let's charge 'em all!

While we're at it, why not charge Sanitation workers for parking their trucks (and taking up 2 meters worth of parking spots) while they go to the bank, eat lunch, or take a break.

Do the meter police pay to park in their spot while they collect meter money or write tickets? Or...do they only park in the spots they know have broken meters?

Corey

Corey Rossen wrote:Let's charge 'em all!

It's not about making "them" pay. The annual parking subsidy is worth about $750,000 per year. Can the City afford to continue to offer that subsidy?

Over the years the people of Lakewood have shown a great generousity of spirit towards its employees.

The people of this town have provided annual raises, an amazing retirement program, generous hospitalization benefits, sick time, leave time, vacation time, holidays, disablity pay and more.

The people of this town are willingly paying some of the highest taxes in the country to provide these benefits.

The people of this town have recogonized the value of public service and have generously rewarded that public service.

The people of this town have continued to permit City employees to live where they want even as the vast majority have chosen to live elsewhere.

Now that the City faces a true financial crisis the people have asked the City workers to join the administration in an effort to help the City survive. To form a true partnership, to join together in an innovative effort to help make Lakewood a better, stronger, healthier community.

The answer from the unions representing the City workers and many of the City workers themselves has been: Drop dead.

Given that attitude taking a second look at the parking subsidy seems a small thing to ask.

Bill Call wrote:The answer from the unions representing the City workers and many of the City workers themselves has been: Drop dead.

Phil Florian wrote:

Bill Call wrote:The answer from the unions representing the City workers and many of the City workers themselves has been: Drop dead.

I know, I was just as dissapointed as you when I found out that attempts at negotiation and compromise were rejected by the government unions.

Now what?

Bill,

With suggestions like that I wondered if you were still getting your trash picked up?