Council Member Seeks Free Parking for Vets

By Olin Ericksen
Staff Writer

October 5 -- Ardent peace advocate and Council member Kevin McKeown says he wants to honor war veterans for their service by giving them free parking.

McKeown – who is seeking his third term on the council this November – sponsored an item at Tuesday’s council meeting to exempt war veterans with veteran-designated license plates from having to pay at local parking meters.

“I think you all know I am against war in concept,” he said. “But these people were victims of war, because they had to fight one.”

If it passes, McKeown hopes other municipalities will follow suit, giving veterans a pass from paying when they park.

“Hopefully in doing this, we will encourage other cities, and encourage the whole state to show their respect and honor” for veterans, he said.

At least one veteran spoke to council members, saying Santa Monica could join other areas including Culver City, Fresno and the state of Florida, in the effort.

“We want to honor our heroes,” said Otis Flake, a veteran and purple heart recipient. “I didn’t want to be shot three times, but I did it.”

The financial impact of such a move would be “truly very tiny,” said McKeown, although staff was directed to confirm its effect on local parking meter revenues.

Flake estimated that in sum there are only 36,000 wounded veterans, 600 Pearl Harbor survivors with designated license plates and 300 living medal of honor winners.