I was going to keep my mouth shut as an outsider, but I can’t
resist commenting on the parking scam run by the University of Idaho as I
perceive it. Any other business would be convicted of fraud in a flash with no
defense for overselling a product that doesn’t exist. They are not
selling a parking permit. It’s a hunting license for an extinct species
called a parking spot. Good luck! I really feel sorry for students, staff, and
faculty who are forced to pay exorbitant parking fees just so they can perform
their functions. It reminds me of the old company store concept. In the real
world, parking is customarily paid for by the employer. In fact, most cities
require that companies have adequate parking for employees before building
permits are issued. I don’t understand why the University community and
maybe the community at large doesn’t band
together in a major protest, if not a lawsuit for fraudulent business
practices. Ron Force once told me that the State is not permitted to give free
parking to employees. I am curious. Does the President of the university pay
for his reserved spot? Surely that should be worth more than a Gold sticker. There.
I feel better. Thank you.