Handicapped Drivers Seek Compensation After Victory in City Parking Dispute

(SALEM) - The rules for handicapped drivers in Salem changed in an unprecedented way in October 2004, when the City of Salem began demanding payment from state-issued disabled placard holders for a city-issued disabled permits.

The rules applied to handicapped individuals who wished to park in certain areas of Salem.

These areas were the "Capitol Mall Parking Zone" and the "Downtown Parking Zone". The focus of this action was to force disabled employees and volunteers to pay for their parking, when state law says they don`t have to. A group of affected individuals formed The Fair Parking Coalition to pursue this issue with the City, and other authorities, in several venues.

In the fall of 2005, the City stopped selling their secondary permit on advice of their counsel, Randall Tosh. More recently, Salem City Manager Bob Wells has stated that the City will be removing all signage related to this issue and will not be pursuing the issue further, as counsel advises that the ordinance granting such authority was/is faulty. The members of the Fair Parking Coalition will be seeking refunds of the parking permit purchase fees they paid during 2004 and 2005 and urge other members of the public to do so also.

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Comments

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Tim King June 4, 2006 8:52 pm (Pacific time)

Joy, I re-wrote the story above after it was sent to me by another person affected by the rules. This is Tim King, I was the person from KATU who did the story with you in front of the capitol. I recall how impacted all of you were and I also remember people with the city being affected. Congratulations on your victory thus far, I am glad Salem-News.com could help convey the information.

Joy June 4, 2006 6:02 pm (Pacific time)

It is not necessary that this be printed-- I am unable to see who wrote this article, but I wanted to offer you my deep-felt thanks! It was an wonderful article and I very much appreciate it! When this issue first came up in 2004, I spoke to a "Salem Speaks Out" forum and also did a spot for KATU news in front of the Capitol -- followed by two attempts at letters to the editor. My letters fit well into the criteria for that venue, and even though I spoke to the editor, neither were published. I really appreciate your article! Now, we will see what The City does with it. Maybe it will be the push for them to return our fees. Thanks Again! Joy Mazeikas

Disabled Vet in Salem June 4, 2006 6:00 pm (Pacific time)

As a disbaled vet who served his country I'm OUTRAGED that the city would even DARE to try and get money from the disabled. Another example of how the current city staff is sending this great city down the toilet. What do they think the disbaled get a big fat check every month?? Wrong!! Sometimes its barely enough to survive. Thanks again Mayor and City Council for making Salem look like a horses (well you know)

Joy June 4, 2006 5:55 pm (Pacific time)

I am one of the disabled employees that was affected by The City of Salem's dibochary. I, too, will soon be leaving the State due to my disability. Whatever made the City of Salem think this was okay?! (It's the only city in the U.S. that has ever tried this..,). I am also personally offended that we were referred to as "The Criples" by one of Salem's own meter readers in our presence. To add insult to injury, many of us have asked for our monies to be refunded--both by phone calls and letters SEVERAL TIMES and continue to recieve no response. How can The City keep our disabled permit "tax" when it was ill-sought to begin with. I believe the City owes us an appology at the very least. City of Salem: We are not stupid, we are not "The Cripples", and we are not beggers -- you implemented a faulty ordinance. Please own up to it and return our monies immediately!!

Martha June 4, 2006 4:41 pm (Pacific time)

Selling a right to the disabled - isn't tht just like our benevolent Mayor and her council!! I hope they have to give back all of the fees

Pat - June 4, 2006 11:40 am June 4, 2006 10:42 am (Pacific time)

I recently had to leave my job due to my disabilities.... I urge the city of Salem to return the $400 plus dollars I have spent in parking ... I am without insurance and could certainly use the funds to buy prescriptions. Do the RIGHT thing!!

Dennis June 4, 2006 10:41 am (Pacific time)

This is indicative of the City of Salem's view of state employees as a cash cow to be milked of money regularly. In this instance they targeted disabled motorists assuming their disabilities made them unable to defend themselves and therefore an easy target. They were wrong. Disabled does not mean dead or dumb. Disabled persons are strong by necessity and are far more capable than the city fathers apparently counted on.

John June 4, 2006 6:35 am (Pacific time)

Why, on God's green earth, the City of Salem would want to beat up on its disabled workforce is uncomprehendable! What were they thinking?!? Are they so desperate for money that they have to rob the wheelchair-bound? I'm glad they finally came to their senses!!!

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