DOWNTOWN: A rude awakening

I was recently lucky enough to land a job that has me working about half the week in our lovely downtown area. Little did I know of the nightmare I would face trying to park downtown.

I have heard people grumble about the parking situation for a long time, but now I am experiencing it firsthand. I received a ticket recently; I did stay in one spot for 2 hours and 20 minutes after all. I was about to move my car and the gentleman was able to just hand me my ticket.

I was angry, and mentioned to him how much I appreciated the city making accommodations for the people who work downtown. His response was, “If it weren’t for the people who work downtown, I wouldn’t have a job.” Then he went on to say that if the lawyers and accountants and people who have their businesses downtown would police themselves, he wouldn’t need to do it. I was floored.

It saddens me that this city seems to care more about making a buck any way it can, than it does its citizens. I love my downtown job. I am grateful for and love my local customers who have sustained the local businesses through the winter months. I would love it a whole lot more if I didn’t feel like I was being made to pay for the privilege of having a job.

TAMMY HAST

Hayden