Fairness: Food for thought, Cd'A

If you've ever leased an apartment for any length of time and scratched your head when the owners or managers gave discounts and bonuses to new arrivals - but not to the loyal, on-time paying renters who already lived there - the simmering food controversy in Coeur d'Alene might speak to you.

With fine intentions to offer recreationists more snack and meal choices this summer, city officials have opened the doors for food vendors in trucks to sell their wares next to McEuen Park in downtown Coeur d'Alene. The sizzlin' brats and burgers and other tasty treats will smell wonderful, unless you happen to be competing with them.

A trial run with five food trucks has been approved for April 12. In all likelihood, residents will see more options for Car d'Lane in June, and the stage has been set - barring unforeseen circumstances - for the nation's food truck frenzy to be fed locally throughout the summer.

While downtown restaurateurs who likely will be competing with these fleeting feeders say they're not daunted by the additional offerings, what seems inequitable to some of them is the ante for food trucks to play. The city has said vendor licenses will cost just $25 a month through June, then increase to $50 per month through the rest of the summer.

We think having more options for public palates is a distinct plus, and we commend the city for trying something new for residents and visitors alike. But we see an unpalatable inequity at work here. Established local restaurants that have been paying property taxes for years and stimulate business year-round pay the city upward of $1,000 a month during the summer for the privilege of wining and dining their customers on the sidewalk. In our view, these businesses are the longtime, reliable renters who see much more favorable financial arrangements extended to newcomers who may or may not pan out.

During this trial season, we suggest the city level the McEuen playing field. Charge the downtown restaurants with sidewalk seating the same $50 a month that food trucks will pay, and let's all eat, drink and be merry this summer.