To the editor:

I am one of the unfortunate Whidbey commuters who will be losing my parking space in June. There has been much hoopla over reduction of commuter parking since the Mukilteo mayor announced this lot closure last year.

I am not of the mind that the city of Mukilteo “owes” me parking space. But what has continued to baffle me is an elementary school math equation: 300 cars x $100/month = $30,000. Read that again: $30,000. Thirty THOUSAND dollars.

Can the city of Mukilteo, Washington State Ferry system and/or the school up the hill, whose parking lots sits empty during summer, afford to NOT take advantage of such easy income? Amazing.

I am also wondering if consideration is being given to off-season parking back at Lighthouse Park, as the wonderful new park that is being created will most likely have very few users during the rainy season, September through May. During summer, I am sure many of us would be willing to walk up the hill to the school (great exercise for our gluteus maximii), in what remains a sizable and empty parking lot during the summer months. (Better income than a bake sale.)

City Administrator Joe Hannan has admitted the city of Mukilteo needs the money to fund the park. I understand summer usage, but taking away such a viable income seems to be turning a veritable gold mine into a land mine.

Good business decisions are based on the bottom line. We commuters are good income for whoever does the math.

Dana Linn

Clinton