Parking Perk Questioned By Citizen's Union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/94613564.html

Don O'Neill beat me by two votes for second place in our locals election for Vice President. He won by one vote over long time member Mary Beckenhauer in a run off election. Don is doing terrific work.

OS

With tight budgets, officials are looking for money everywhere...and so are citizens who are looking squarely at what is considered a perk for those same officials.

Posted: 3:30 PM May 21, 2010
Reporter: Brian Mastre
Email Address: [e-mail]

Omaha is out of money and so is the county.

With tight budgets, officials are looking for money everywhere...and so are citizens.

In fact, the citizens are looking squarely at what is considered a perk for those same officials.

In Lot B under the City-County building at 18th & Farnam, there are 280 spots for judges, council members, the mayor, county workers, department heads and other city and county workers.

It's a sensitive topic.

It's considered a perk. They don't pay to park.

But should they?

Local 251 Vice President Don O'Neill recently sent an e-mail to two council members on the building commission wanting to know why those who park in Lot B don't have to pay the $60 a month parking space rental fee when most of the other employees, who are lower paid, have to.

"It would generate $230,000 revenue," O'Neill said "I think that when you are at the point of asking retirees who are under contract to now pay premiums -- that it wouldn't be too much to ask department heads and others to make a contribution."

FULL story and video at link.