PARKING FEES MAY KILL GOLDEN GOOSE
Parking fees may kill golden goose
Editor:
Commissioners say: “Those who use boat launch sites should have to support their upkeep.” How much support do you expect? When I launch my boat at the Boca boat ramp I have already paid for: a) A license for my truck.
b) A license for my boat.
c) A license for my trailer.
d) A fishing license.
e) An additional license if I want to keep something exotic like a snook.
f) A parking ticket.
g) Lots of gas for the boat and oodles of bait and equipment at the bait store all producing plenty of tax dollars.
The equation of money made, minus running/repair costs, versus bad feeling created makes the whole exercise pointless.
Most people using this ramp are looking for a day of enjoyment after a week of hard work. Those arriving to find the ticket machines not working yet again cross their fingers and head out into the Gulf.
If the machines are repaired while they are out on the water they will return to find another kind of ticket on their vehicle resulting in an expensive fine.
Surrounding counties still offer free parking. I don’t see any signs of bankruptcy. I do see signs of goodwill all around. Come on Charlotte County, scrap this stupid idea. The ramp is used less than it used to be. Be careful you don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
Peter Sanderson
Englewood
