Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Defending Valets: Why Doth He Protest So Much?
RECEIVED Mon., Nov. 7, 2005
Dear Editor,
What is Pat Johnson's problem [“Postmarks,” Nov. 4]? Besides being a sad, lonely, little, angry man. Where to begin with this loser?
The so called "problems caused by the valet companies" that he mentions would hardly bother most sane individuals.
For one I would like to know of the "golden egg" Johnson speaks of.
If Johnson could only tear himself away from photographing the valets for just a moment he might have noticed that the price for valet in the Warehouse District goes no higher than $7, which with my meager math skills parking two cars only adds up to be $14 not the $25 he says would cover the city's penalty. Not surprisingly he doesn't take into account that the valets don't keep that amount. Most people know they rely on tips. Which aren't increased when traffic is at a standstill.
So we can dispel the conspiracy that valets have it in for the taxpayer by filling the valet lane or blocking traffic. Besides, shouldn't traffic go slower to begin with since it is a high-pedestrian area?
As for increased enforcement by the city in that area I for one, being a taxpayer and all, would like to see that man power go to better patrols in other parts of the city like the West Campus area where it seems like the crime rate is worse than the Eastside's but without the stigma.
If Mr. Johnson, and the COA are so concerned about the tax revenue lost maybe we should be like other cities and start charging on the weekends at our parking meters. Better yet, why don't the meters accept pennies. Last time I checked they were still a form of currency.
What is Pat Johnson's problem [“Postmarks,” Nov. 4]? Besides being a sad, lonely, little, angry man. Where to begin with this loser?
The so called "problems caused by the valet companies" that he mentions would hardly bother most sane individuals.
For one I would like to know of the "golden egg" Johnson speaks of.
If Johnson could only tear himself away from photographing the valets for just a moment he might have noticed that the price for valet in the Warehouse District goes no higher than $7, which with my meager math skills parking two cars only adds up to be $14 not the $25 he says would cover the city's penalty. Not surprisingly he doesn't take into account that the valets don't keep that amount. Most people know they rely on tips. Which aren't increased when traffic is at a standstill.
So we can dispel the conspiracy that valets have it in for the taxpayer by filling the valet lane or blocking traffic. Besides, shouldn't traffic go slower to begin with since it is a high-pedestrian area?
As for increased enforcement by the city in that area I for one, being a taxpayer and all, would like to see that man power go to better patrols in other parts of the city like the West Campus area where it seems like the crime rate is worse than the Eastside's but without the stigma.
If Mr. Johnson, and the COA are so concerned about the tax revenue lost maybe we should be like other cities and start charging on the weekends at our parking meters. Better yet, why don't the meters accept pennies. Last time I checked they were still a form of currency.
James Chapman
