Motive behind raising parking fee

To the editor:

I read the Jan. 27 story 'Airport to raise daily parking rate” about plans to raise the daily parking rate at The Eastern Iowa Airport from $9 per day to $11 per day. The reason being the Cedar Rapids Airport Commission is trying to encourage travelers to use the long-term parking lot for extended periods.

I'm sorry, but that is not a solution. Doesn't the airport commission realize that the majority of individuals who use the short-term parking are business travelers? They don't care how much they are charged, they don't foot the bill. They submit it as a regular travel expense on their expense report and their company picks up the tab. The airport commission should know that standard business practice. I think it is a smoke screen. I think the airport commission just wants to raise more money. I mean, come on now. Even in the article it states that the commission has tried that strategy and failed.

Mary A. Craig

Cedar Rapids