The issue of the cost and location of a parking garage is being debated in the mayoral campaign.
Mayor Lioneld Jordan prefers for the garage to be financed and owned by the city. I think this is the better way to handle the matter because it will be best for the citizens of Fayetteville.
The opposing argument is that city financing and ownership would be “revenue neutral” and that an “entrepreneurial” solution would be better.
That is to say, let a commercial fi rm own and operate the garage.
That firm would bear all the costs and Fayetteville would receive tax revenue from the business.
Fayetteville already has some private parking lots and the record is disturbing. We hear and read (in letters to the newspaper) a steady stream of complaints about lightning-quick booting, towing to remote lots and exorbitant charges and fees.
It is much better to have a public service controlled by the city, which willprotect the interests of the citizens, than a profi tseeking business with no allegiance to anyone but itself.
DAVID HART
FayettevilleEX-ALDERMAN VOTES JORDANAs I served on the Fayetteville City Council with both candidates for mayor, many people have asked me which I think would be the better mayor for us the nextfour years.
Without a doubt, I believe Lioneld (Jordan) is the better mayor. He is honest and can work with people. He brought the council together, being respectful even when we didn’t agree. He brought us through some hard times and without laying anyone oft while still moving Fayetteville forward.
I am voting for Lioneld Jordan and hope you will, too.
SHIRLEY LUCAS
Fayetteville
Opinion, Pages 12 on 10/14/2012