Dear Mr. Horne:

First let me thank you for your response to my letter to both you and the Mayor. Even though it took a month it was welcomed, to a certain extent.

I can understand the city’s interest in saving the taxpayer’s money, by saving on set ups and rentals. I would do the same in your place, BUT I would not penalize the Handicapped by moving them to a place that would cause them great problems. Distance and curbs make attendance impossible in some cases. Might I suggest that you, or someone on your staff attempt to move those distances, and over those obstacles in a wheelchair. That is the determining factor in deciding if a building, or location is “Handicapped Accessible”. These things are required by LAW. They are not just mentioned as “If you would like to”.

You mention the Fire Marshall requiring the concession area be fenced in. If it is, as you state, how would people get TO the stands to make their purchases? You also mention the “remainder of the handicapped parking in the lot is available on a first come, first serve basis”. Just where is this “remainder”? I have never seen it. Or are you referring to the Hcpd parking up near Harborview? What good would that be to people trying to get into the park? It is further away than the ones your guards wanted us to use across the street. There is NO guard there to direct handicapped to these spots, nor to see that other vehicles do NOT park in these spots.

I have seen these things happen in other venues. Before the new Baseball stadium was built the close up spots were saved for the news media. The handicapped were told to park on the other side of the street. In the new stadium they have done a great job. Up close and have carts to help.

No one realizes more than I that the Handicapped parking placards are being ABUSED by people who are NOT handicapped. I have to blame that on the Doctors and the State Government who issue them. But that alone does not excuse the local governments from abiding by the law.

The news media have been in contact with me and have asked if the situation has been addressed and resolved. To this point I have to say “Yes and No” Only time will tell if this problem gets resolved, either by your administration or the next.