On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the City Council will receive a report on the performance of the Parking Management Program from this past season to mid-October. It is certain to result in debate and discussion as to the value of this program to the residents and visitors. Over the months of debate on this issue, it seems that the purpose of this program has taken on a number of variations, with no consistency. Is it resources to fund police positions? Is it parking management needs in this community? Is it a means to force people from their vehicles? Is it for community re-investment? Not one of these factors warrant the abuse that residents, visitors nor working-class people who need parking for their recreation or their job should have to endure. From the report, there were more than 1,500 citations issued for parking violations, at more than $50 each to many unsuspecting individuals. This is not the message we wish to send to those who work and play in our recreation areas. Our economy continues to stagger and it is time this City Council quits nickel-and-diming those we rely on to survive in this community.

John N. Cefalu

South Lake Tahoe