Provide parking and restrooms

In my mind's eye, I can see myself driving north on Spokane into Whitefish. I hit the stoplight at the school and Second Street. Ahead is a modest but tasteful Montana-style building. A sign saying "Welcome Center" greets me, and I notice another sign, "Public Parking and Restrooms."

I can't believe for the past 10 years I've been listening to shop owners, residents and visitors all complain, we have no public bathrooms. Not enough parking.

Charge $5 for all-day parking. Charge the Chamber/Visitors Bureau rent. These revenues and the added resort-tax increase from extended-stay shoppers will enhance the city coffers to help offset costs of the bond, cleaning and maintenance.

We don't need a multi-level parking lot in the beginning. We can always build up later, as the need becomes evident.

If tourism is going to be a strong part of our economy, let's get going. Tourists have been looking for a place to go for some time. Let's provide that place and a place to park, too.

Bill Milner

Whitefish