Last Wednesday, Commissioner Thomas brought up a parking meter issue in front of the county building on Boardman.
The issue he raised was that there was not enough time to get his task done.
He had received a parking ticket while in taking care of county business. His own ticket, and one on the vehicle of another visitor made him aware of the limited time that visitors had when using the specific parking spaces. Those spaces with meters that have a 15 minute free time, and up to 30 minutes total by adding coin.
The meters on the opposite side of the lot allow up to Two hours.
The board voted 6-2 to remove the meters, as it seemed there was not even sufficient time for the people to perform their tasks in the county building. It was an effort to take some of the pressure off those who would be arriving to already pay their taxes, or for licensing, etc., and take away some of the headaches that seem to come by having to deal with government.
It didn’t look so good as it was presented in the news however.
It looked like the commission reacted to Thomas’ ticket alone. And the feedback received does not show an entirely flattering perception of who we are as elected officials.
I voted along with 5 others to remove the meters, but I get it.
We will look a little differently tonight at this issue to be sure.
Jason Gillman is an advocate of responsible government at all levels. A long time resident (28 years) of Traverse City, and the region, Jason has raised two children with his wife Candy, and currently operates a Security Camera sales interest, that employs Five other county residents.
" I am a seeker of solutions, and feel the best answers are found when all the facts are known."
Jason is currently elected as a county commissioner with a term effective January 03, 2010 
