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Petition for a Public Vote on Paid Parking in Missoula

 

 

Summary: Missoula residents are demanding a public vote on the city's paid parking system, citing a historical precedent in 1947 when the city council ignored public input on the matter. Paid parking has created financial strain on locals and hurt small businesses, and we believe residents should have a say in decisions that affect them.

 

We, the undersigned residents of Missoula, are calling for the opportunity to vote on the city's paid parking system. This issue directly affects our community's ability to freely park in public spaces, and we believe the decision should be made by the people it impacts the most.

A Historical Perspective: In 1947, two downtown Missoula businessmen, Leo Glodt and Edward Cozad, recognized the negative impact that parking meters could have on the community. They believed that such a significant change should be put to a public vote. Despite their efforts, the city council ignored their request and moved forward with the installation of parking meters, which led to a legal battle. The Montana Supreme Court sided with the city, allowing the meters to stay. This decision from over 70 years ago reflects poorly on our local governance by bypassing the people's right to have a say in matters affecting their daily lives.

Why This Matters: Today, the paid parking issue is still relevant. Paid parking places an undue financial strain on local residents and visitors, discourages people from shopping at small businesses, and adds to the already high costs of living in Missoula. As taxpayers who contribute to the city’s infrastructure, we believe paid parking is not necessary. Our local economy would benefit more from alternative solutions that don’t burden residents or drive business away from our downtown area.

Furthermore, the lack of transparency and public involvement in the original decision-making process regarding paid parking sets a troubling precedent. The people of Missoula should be able to weigh in and vote on decisions that affect their daily lives—decisions like parking management that impact our economy, quality of life, and local businesses.

Our Request: We call for a public vote on the paid parking system to ensure that Missoula residents have a direct say in the policies that impact our community. We want:

Transparency in how decisions about parking fees are made.
A public vote on whether to keep the paid parking system.
Exploration of alternative solutions that better serve local businesses and residents, without unfairly burdening them financially.
Join the Movement: This isn’t just about parking; it’s about the principle of public participation in governance. We must demand that our voices are heard in the decisions that affect us. By signing this petition, you’re standing up for local businesses, residents, and the principle of democracy in Missoula.

Next Steps:

Sign the petition to show your support for a public vote on paid parking.
Share the petition with friends, family, and other Missoulians to help gather more signatures.
Get involved by attending city council meetings or other local events to raise awareness and ensure our voices are heard.
Together, we can create a Missoula where everyone has a say in how the city is run. Let’s work to make sure Missoula listens to its people!

 
In accordance with Montana's Initiative and Referendum Law, we respectfully request that the Missoula City Council take action and schedule a public vote on the issue of paid parking within 60 days of receiving this petition, as required by law.