I was pleasantly surprised to return home to the island after being gone for all of December to find the majority of parking signs in the Winslow area changed from two to three hours. I can only guess that the increase in fines from the respectable $20 has in fact changed to the gouging and tourist killing amount of $50.

So, calling all store and shop owners, please politely inform any obvious tourist and casual shoppers to keep an eye on their parking habits and time remaining in their spot. This sort of solidarity is exactly what will take the sting out of a whopping $50 parking ticket while shopping and eating.

Larry Droguett

Bainbridge Island