I was disappointed to read, in the Kirkland Reporter article about the Antique Mall’s pending redevelopment, that the city will lose 99 parking spots when the new building goes up. This latest saga in the story of the Antique Mall underscores what I believe to be a chronic lack of initiative and vision in our city’s government.

Downtown parking has been an issue since I moved here in 1996, and the obvious solution has always been a multi-story garage in the Antique Mall’s location. Decisive and forward-thinking leaders would have invoked eminent domain to acquire and re-develop the property long ago (financed by municipal bonds, of course). Modestly competent and responsible leaders would have simply purchased the property when it came up for sale two years ago. But our leaders have none of these qualities and, apparently, they are even too timid to negotiate public parking with the new developers.

Therefore, I urge readers to lobby City Council to block the development until the new owners agree to provide at least 99 permanent public parking spaces. And, in the next election cycle, I urge voters to demand more from our leadership. Mid 20th century values and practices were great for Mayberry RFD but, in the 21st century, we need leaders who are in tune with needs of their electorate, and who respond with bold, decisive action.

Doug Corlett, Kirkland