From Deseret News archives:
Rocky pulls free parking for reporters
He also converted the two parking spots at City Hall that had been reserved for reporters into regular metered parking for the public.
Anderson acknowledges that is in response to a Deseret Morning News story last month that looked at which public officials receive free airport parking. Most use it only for business, but Anderson is among a few who also use it for personal travel.
For example, he used short-term parking next to the terminal last May 6-13 during a personal trip to watch his son graduate from college in New York City. That would have generated a $152 bill for anyone not on the free-parking list.
In the earlier story, Anthony Musci, chairman of the watchdog group Common Cause of Utah, criticized any use by public officials of free parking for personal trips. "On principle it is wrong, and I can't understand why any politician receives a perk like this for personal travel," he said.
He added, "The article brought our focus to the issue of who's getting privileged parking."
He said, as the Morning News story also had reported in the earlier story, journalists visiting the airport to cover news stories had been offered free parking validation.
"That has ended now," Anderson said. "All sorts of people do business at the airport, and there is absolutely no reason for the special treatment."
Actually, it may be a privilege that few reporters knew existed and that few used.
Morning News staffers were asked in an e-mail Thursday if any had used the privilege in recent years. Most were surprised that it had existed. Only one reporter said he had used it on rare occasions covering airport news events.
Morning News Editor John Hughes said, "I certainly don't think we should get free parking." He said any special favors should be limited to traditional accommodation that police and fire officials give press vehicles to help cover breaking news such as fires and airplane crashes. "Otherwise, we should pay for our parking."
The mayor also decided to yank reporter parking at City Hall because of the story.
"I couldn't see any justification for it. There are lots of people who do business at City Hall without reserved parking," Anderson said. He added that parking for the public is sometimes hard to find there, so converting the two reporter-only slots into public parking would help resolve that problem.
Anderson said no other changes have been made to city parking policies apparently including allowing those officials with free airport parking to continue to use it for private purposes if they so choose.
The new ban continues years of stormy relations between the press and the mayor, who often criticizes news coverage of him, his office and even national and international events. As a sign of those relations, the mayor took seven days to respond to repeated inquiries about the free-parking ban for this story.
E-mail: lee@desnews.com
Comments
- Canal companies to join forces 4:50 p.m.
- Group raises all Amber Alert funds 4:45 p.m.
- Woman who fell off shuttle identified 4:43 p.m.
- No one right way to deal with conflict 4:37 p.m.
- Tax evasion trial set for chiropractor 4:31 p.m.
- Mitchell's attorneys file to withdraw 4:16 p.m.
- Isch not interested in heading NCAA 4:15 p.m.
- Notre Dame QB punched at bar 3:42 p.m.
- RSL gets warm reception at Capitol 3:38 p.m.
- 2 excuted in China milk scandal 3:33 p.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- Boys basketball rankings
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
221 - BYU would like friendlier rivalry
203 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
179 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
175 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
134 - BYU records with win
132 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103
Does Chaffetz even know, we all need HEALTHCARE Reform's and healthcare. No...
the huge crowd at the reception when the Spazz won the NBA title!! ....cue...
As the great Homer Simpson once said. BOREIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG!
To the right, nothing Obama does will make you happy. The fact that you are...
You are right on brother. American society failed big time now looks like...
The Old Testament is replete with references to the Urim & Thummim, which is...
My property taxes INCREASED in 2009 over 2008. I was told by the Utah County...
BBQ on the Big Green Egg! Nobody in our family likes oven roasted turkey...
Ignorant masses is exactly right. If you don't get the beautiful game that's...
To "How Sad" and "Ripvanryan"-- If you honestly can't find anything good to...



You can be the first to comment on this story.