Attorney in Olympia fighting for his right to park

OLYMPIA, Wash. — An attorney in Olympia is suing the city for his right to park.

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James Foley has been parking in downtown Olympia for years, and one day each year he has to stand in line to buy his permit in person. It’s first come, first serve.

But this year, Foley alleges that’s not what happened.

“I was like third in line and they said sorry all of them had been pre-sold to Olympia Federal and that’s not fair!” he said. “Somehow, Olympia Federal didn’t have to come down and stand in line and somehow they bought 54 spaces downtown. There are roughly 517 parking spaces in downtown Olympia. The city says you have to come stand in line on Dec. 8. In fact, over 275 are pre-sold to 13 valued customers and a city can’t do that, it’s against our city and state Constitution.”

With our region’s massive growth, parking has become a serious topic in Seattle, Tacoma and now Olympia. But how is parking a constitutional right?

“In our state Constitution — article 1 section 12 — it says no city or government agency can provide a certain company with special privileges or immunities.”

Foley says he’s not out to make a quick buck. He feels like he’s sticking up for the little guy.

“Why should the 1 percent get all the parking and the 99 percent get no parking?” he asked.

“Why should Oly Fed get a special deal? I would drop this lawsuit in a heartbeat if the City of Olympia took back all the parking they sold and have a fair sale of the parking. So everyone gets a chance, whether that’s standing in line, doing a lottery … cities around the world sell parking in a fair and equitable way except for the City of Olympia where special people get special treatment and that’s just not allowed.”

The city has not responded to interview requests. So, for now, Foley is waiting for a resolution and a parking spot.

Cox Media Group