PARKING: A problem - and a solution

On July 8, I took my visiting grandsons to Independence Point to swim and paddle boat. On arriving at the parking lot, we gathered our things and went to the kiosk to pay for three hours of parking. My grandson told me that a lady was taking a picture of my license plate. I looked over and saw her put her hand on the hood of my car. After completing my transaction and getting my receipt I walked back to my car to find a $20 ticket on my windshield and the woman gone. There was exactly one minute between her ticketing me and the receipt I received.

We have been residents here for over 40 years. In that time we have watched our area grow from a small town to a popular tourist location. It is sad that we have to pay $3/hour to enjoy our lake. But, to add insult to injury, receiving a ticket one minute after parking is totally unacceptable. I spent 15 minutes of my paid time trying to get the ticket forgiven (which it was).

Certainly there must be a better way to determine if someone actually parked without paying. I wonder how many other people have had this happen to them.

How about a parking pass for county residents at a discounted rate for the season so we can continue to enjoy our parks and lake, plus better training for the parking attendants.

Now, I have vented my frustration!

SUSAN D. ANDERSON

Post Falls