Op-ed from Jessica Symonds of Mason City –
I am a lifelong Mason City resident living near the Southbridge Mall. Close parking is limited to small time increments and certain hours, with a full block and a half separating my home from the nearest legal parking spot. With a recently broken foot, however, I have limited mobility. This injury has worsened my struggle to get to and from the car and limited my independence. Further, it has compromised my ability to ensure that my four year-old is able to get to school safely and securely. She has to walk an icy block and a half, and due to poor transportation access in this region I cannot accompany her. I can only imagine the difficulty encountered by fellow residents who are elderly or disabled. A City Hall member indicates that downtown living is a key area for promotion, but how can we promote an area that does not meet the needs of those who call it home?
Throughout this process, I have attempted to utilize all available resources in locating a legal parking place. My landlord and associated parties were unable to provide an answer, as were representatives of City Hall and the Mason City Police Department. In the mean time, I have parked in the nearest available spots – without indication that these spots could not be utilized by the public during general hours – and received nearly a dozen tickets as a result.
Still seeking a solution, I re-visited information provided by City Hall and learned that a city council representative may be able to assist me. One member, Alex Kuhn, stood out as a representative of my interests on whom I depended to take care in and recognize my concerns. I thought I had finally found hope of a remedy, as Mr. Kuhn took down the details of my dilemma and planned to contact other council members in search of a solution. I placed my trust in him and had high hopes, but in three months since, they have been dashed: I have found no one else willing to help, and Alex Kuhn did not follow through. I have been severely disappointed in the failure of our council to meet the needs of myself and my family, and even more disappointed that someone who has agreed to help has turned their back. Is this really who we want representing Mason City, Iowa?
-Jessica Symonds
