Park fees: Some happily pay $50
July 3, 2008 · Updated 9:56 PM
Some of your readers really support our state parks. As I did last year, this week I happily paid my $50 annual parking fee. In contrast to general taxation, I know that this money goes right to the parks, improving them for my use as well as for the pleasure of people who shirk paying for the public facilities they so fervently enjoy.
Anyone who loves the parks should realize that user fees are the most reliable way to assure that they are maintained. If taxes worked, how did the current backlog of projects accrue? User fees allow citizens to speak with their wallets in support of the state facilities and services that they value.
My advice to anyone who can't afford the annual parking fee, is to give up your cable TV for a month or two. You'll more than save the annual parking permit and have more free time to enjoy the parks.
M. Denis Hill
Coupeville
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