For those of you who don’t know, The parking operation in the city of Portland, OR, and Cale USA have been put under a cloud. The Feds have raided both operations, and the story is just breaking. You can read the first piece here. More is sure to come, I was interviewed at length yesterday by the local MSM from Portland.
First of all. Let’s all step back and take a deep breath. The feds have raided many places over the years and found nothing. Let us pray that that is the case there. I know both parties involved and wish them no ill. Neither should our industry nor their competitors.
Second — I’m absolutely certain that the recommendation I made in the previous paragraph will not be done. I have already received emails that I will not publish as they do nothing but stir the pot. Some of Cale’s competitors are crowing. Nothing good can come from that. The entire industry has been sullied. There is no upside to this.
Consider the problem. No matter whether or not the accusations are true or false, any city that has this equipment will be under the microscope. And even if the charges turn out to be absolutely false, the accusation is there, and unfortunately, very little can be done to change it.
All we can do is not rush to judgement, not let our prejudices cloud our common sense, and let this story take its course.
If you know those involved or their families, now would be a good time to show some support. No matter what the outcome, their lives will never be the same.
JVH
One Response
Very well said JVH.