Editor, The Herald:

FREE. Nothing is really free. When something is free someone somewhere is paying. Paying by choice or being forced to pay. The red bags on the parking meters downtown are costing me and other retailers downtown money.

They were put up as a goodwill to shoppers during the Christmas season.

Well it “ain't working.” Right now there are three automobiles parked in front of Key Office, Red Front, and Clarks Pharmacy. They have been there since early morning and it is now 12. We know the owners, the police know the owners and there is nothing that can be done as long as the bags remain up.

I have the solution to the current problem. Take the bags down and enforce the parking regulations. When my customers complain about the quarter fee, I have gladly refunded it and will continue to do so. I'm sure my neighbors will do the same.

To paraphrase a great American, “Mr. Spates, tear down these Bags”

Thanks for the time.

R. W. Carter

President

Red Front Trading Co.