Dear Editor,
I always strive to maintain a position of objectivity as best as I can. Looking at the parking meter issue; signing of a contract without allowing councilors of the Georgetown City Council the opportunity to peruse same, not having enough and wider dialogue with the Georgetown community pertaining to the proposal for a parking meter system prior to the signing of such contract was wrong.
Going forward the Georgetown City Council has a need to generate revenue. Have they ever published the City Council income and expenditure yearly statements so the owners of properties and residents can have a true picture of the financial state of affair of the city?
Are there ways that revenue can be generated without being punitive to the citizens and visitors of Georgetown? Can they develop in partnership with the private sector multi-story parking lots? Can streets be zoned where free parking is allowed? Can derelict buildings be demolished to allow for paid parking? Should the city council laws be more stringent in ensuring that all new commercial buildings being erected have parking areas for their clients? Is there a need to expand the commercial district of Georgetown?
Once again we are using reactive measures for long term problem solving. The city is growing and there is a need to encourage Town Hall Dialogue with its citizens to work on a “Make Georgetown Beautiful Again Project”. We cannot solve macro problems if decisions are made by a few and are shrouded in secrecy and there is not enough dialogue with the people.
Yours faithfully,
Karen Bacchus-Hinds
