City officials make parking meters an easy way to generate income for their coffers. The weekend of Oct. 20, I took my staff to Durango for a team building retreat. I tried to purchase everything for the two-day event from Durango merchants and spent around $15,000.

I, unfortunately, missed the parking permit sign in the lot I parked in and received a $25 fine. The parking ticket directed me to the Durango Transit Center and indicated that if I paid within 48 hours the fine would be $25, but if I failed to pay within 48 hours, the fine would double.

I immediately went to the transit center, but was routinely dismissed as just another dissatisfied tourist. The clerk directed me to the proper form so I could write a detailed explanation as to why I had parked illegally. She then provided me with the Durango Parking Division Parking Guide. It was obvious this was a very routine process, as was witnessed by the individual in line ahead of me. I noticed how nice the transit center was, as well as the shiny red buses scurrying from the parking lot – all most likely purchased with funds from tourists’ and locals’ fines.

Durango city officials claim they support their local business owners while welcoming tourists, however, the parking fines that fleece tourists send a very mixed message. City officials should explore other ways to generate income for transit.

Shame on you!

Lisa Kelloff

Albuquerque