I fondly remember the days when you were forgiven a single parking ticket per quarter in Portland. It was such a nice touch of grace on the occasions when you forgot to put enough money in the meter. (Remember meters?)

Fast forward to this afternoon, when I was about 10 minutes later than I had planned and was “gifted” with a $20 ticket. Thankfully, I can afford to pay this, but I can imagine many people working downtown cannot.

I do miss the days when Portland was funkier and more welcoming.

Joanna Leary
Westbrook