This is not really a complaint, but yeah, it is. I just took my husband out for 64th his birthday at Stan and Joe’s. We parked on the street and saw, at 5:15, that the meters were in effect until 6. The meters take change (coins!), which no one actually has these days, right? So it was hot and we were tired and since we are otherwise scrupulous supporters of the local economy, we risked it and … ok, got a $20 ticket. We had a lot of fun and it was worth it. I don’t mind supporting the city of my birth.

Better, however, it seems to me, to install MODERN parking machines such as we find in Baltimore and DC where you can use paper bills or a credit card. You get a little slip of paper to put on your dash. I would be happy to pay MORE to park for this convenience.

So I come home and go online to pay my ticket. Despite the fact that my parking ticket LOOKS computer-generated, it’s not on the system yet. I will likely forget it during the 7-days the system states it takes to register. So my ticket will be 30, 50 whatever dollars when it finally gets back on my radar. I am starting to be frustrated.

The city is not responsible for my bill tracking (I DID put it in my calendar to check back a week from now), but really, could we look at installing a modern system? I have to think we would do better economically over the long run. Local people will pay their tickets, but what about out-of-state visitors? If other states DO have reciprocity, what impression does that leave with our guests and what potential effect on tourism?

What do you think?

Thanks much and keep up the good work,

Manon Maitland Schladen
Washington Street, Eastport