Editorial: No on Measure "P"

It always seems like every time we turn the corner someone wants more money, from the tax collector to the grocery store owner. There are many in our community that feel parking meters should go away, but I am not one of them.

Trust me, I don't like paying for things that used to be free, but I feel the benefits of having parking meters in place in South Lake Tahoe far outweigh the 'cons.'

In the first nine months since meters were installed, the city has collected $240,000 in revenue which is on pace for the anticipated $300,000 the city's budgeted revenues. According to figures, there were 74,500 transactions on kiosks during the past nine months, with the average amount being $3.20.

If you follow the city budget, over the past several years there has been no dedicated funding to maintain many of our city's streets. The next budget will direct revenues from parking meters into street maintenance for the area the kiosks are located. If "P" passes there will be no money for the much needed street repairs nor will there be money to maintain Lakeview Commons.

The deferred maintenance created by past city staff has created a problem of no money to get things fixed that badly need it. A "NO" on P gives us much needed funds.

The fact that Measure P came to be is proof that the process works through. A group formed to protest the kiosks in the local neighborhoods. They collected signatures and forced the measure to be on the ballot. I always applaud people that see something they feel should be changed, and do something about it.

I also applaud the new attitude at the City with their wanting citizens engaged and taking part in what is happening in their town.

Paid parking was on several City Council agendas (17 total public meetings) and members of the community spoke up on both the benefits and the detriments. The Council addressed many of the concerns and made several concessions: reduced the amount of a kiosk parking ticket, changed the hours to better accommodate locals, the direction mentioned above about funding for streets, eliminated Venice Blvd, Paradise Ave and Regan Beach from paid parking and established a local's pass,

I bought an annual pass from the City since my office and many clients are in areas where there are meters. It's been convenient not having to put money into the meter or park far away from my destination to avoid paying. The cost to have the same benefits in cities and coastal areas throughout the state that have parking meters is much higher.

A "No" vote would retain reserved parking for residents and their guests in the neighborhood beach parking locations adjacent to the kiosk areas. A "No" vote will keep the kiosks with the revenue they create.