An article written by Shiloh Gunn which recently appeared in the Beacon entitled "Parking 101" was poignant, cleverly written and should be read by every single politician and regulator that has anything to do with this outrageous concept of legislating parking in Cedar Key. It should especially be read by our City Commissioners and our Mayor. They should also read all of the wonderful articles written about Cedar Key, and focus upon "why" people come here.
As Shiloh Gunn points out, there will be NO NEED for parking spaces since people simply won't come to Cedar Key! Those that do show up, will leave disillusioned. Word of mouth advertising will kick in, which is very powerful. Especially when the message is a negative one.
My wife and I purchased a home in Cedar Key about two years ago. One of the main reasons we chose to become part of the Cedar Key community was the extraordinary charm, and its lay-back ambiance.
The thought of seeing 100+ "No Parking" signs littering the landscape, plus the tension created by Gestapo-like "Parking Enforcers" (which will surely come) is so disconcerting, that I may even sell my home and look for another friendlier community that has less government.....or at least a government that exhibits common sense!
As some have suggested,, this whole issue may not be a question of LAW, but of economics. Issuing parking tickets will become a significant source of revenue. If that is the case, and notwithstanding the concept of extortion, I would gladly pay my pro-rata share in advance, so all of us and our visitors could continue to enjoy the wonderful ambiance of Cedar Key as it is today.
If not enough residents are willing to ante up for the Parking Extortion Fund, then I suggest we all get together and have a Parking Fund Fund Raiser on July 4th of every year. It's a great date to act upon, and contemplate such matters. Perhaps the Parking Fund Fund Raiser could be based upon the sale of authentic NO PARKING SIGNS, with each signed by our local city leaders. I'll subscribe and pay for 100 of them. Surely, they would become valuable collectibles. Alternatively, charity coin boxes denominated "The Park Anywhere Charity Box" could also work quite well, and would probably get great press throughout the state and the nation! I`m certain that every single local merchant would put one in their place of business. Perhaps the leading local bait shop would even cooperate.
To our leaders: Please THINK, and serve the interests of your constituents!
Craig Van Pelt | 