Parking task force invites ideas

To the editor:

To all citizens of Baker City:

I volunteered for the City Council's Parking Task Force because like most of us, I only think about parking when I can't find a spot, when someone else has parked inappropriately and is affecting me directly, or when I receive a ticket. For business owners and residents downtown, however, it is a different story, and it is my understanding that this is why our task force was created by the council.

The recommendations this task force makes to council will not be ours — they will be yours. We made much progress in our first meeting last week, but it is essential that we receive as much public input as possible. Whether or not you spend any time or money downtown, we believe many of you have ideas, and many of the recommendations we make will involve tax dollars and budgeting priorities.

I invite everyone to join us at City Hall, 1655 First St., on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., or, if you can't attend, please contact the task force. I can be reached at 523-3505. If you wish to remain anonymous, write to the Baker City Parking Task Force, c/o Baker City Council, City of Baker City, 1655 First St., Baker City, OR 97814.

Jason Bland

Baker City