Letters to the Editor

+ Southside Village has parking issues, too
Dear Editor:
I am a small-business owner in Southside Village, and I must say I’m quite disturbed by the articles that have been written in the last six weeks about the parking challenges on St. Armands Circle. We, too, have the same challenges, except that St. Armands has two nice-sized parking lots; downtown has parking lots and a parking garage — Southside has none. Our lack of parking spaces is ridiculous. St. Armands has three-hour parking; most other areas have two-hour parking. The change in enforcement from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. is detrimental to our merchants, as well.

With only on-street parking and a two-hour limit, it discourages customers from browsing Southside Villages’ businesses. After enjoying one of our restaurants or having your hair cut and colored (a two-hour process), no time is left for shopping.

We are all independent small businesses just asking the city to stop policies that discourage more commerce.

I, for one, would like to know why St. Armands is so important when the other areas in town are fighting the same losing battles?

Per the article published in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune Nov. 7, commissioners acknowledged a mistake in extending parking enforcement to 8 p.m. and included Saturdays.

In an article in The Observer, commissioners wanted staff to consider two other changes that could do away with Saturday enforcement and enforcement after 6 p.m. weekdays on St. Armands. I feel this should also apply to Southside Village, and any other areas afflicted with these parking problems.

The city needs to become small- business friendly, because small businesses are the backbone of America.
Leslie McKnight
Sarasota

+ Consider the election a win for the people
Dear Editor:
I must comment on your Nov. 15 editorial, “Liberty lost, Statism (whatever that is) won.”

My perception of the national election, which your paper ignores (except in editorial form), is that the following won: women’s reproductive rights; separation of church and state; equal rights for minorities (LGBT’s); preservation of public broadcasting; Planned Parenthood; FEMA; affordable access to health care (a right not a privilege); Medicare as we know it; and a rational Supreme Court nominee.
Al Tripodi
Longboat Key