Hybrids Vs Handicapped

From The Union Leader:
"Hybrids trump handicapped at liquor store"

Three reserved parking spaces for hybrid and low-emission cars at the new $3.3 million state liquor store are located closer to the store’s main entrance than the handicapped parking spots, causing at least one lawmaker to call the design a slap in the face to the disabled. “To choose to display such blatant priority for special interests over seniors, wounded veterans and others who have mobility difficulty is deplorable,” said state Rep. Peter Silva of Nashua. “The (liquor) commission owes the public an explanation as well as a plan to remedy this situation immediately.” On Friday, House Speaker William O’Brien sent a letter to the New Hampshire Liquor Commission questioning why it favors hybrid cars over drivers with physical disabilities. “It appears to favor publicity over reality and concern for special interests over concern for the disabled,” O’Brien wrote in his letter addressed to Joseph Mollica, chairman of the liquor commission. The handicapped spaces, according to Mollica, are placed between the front entrance of the store and the public restroom entry at the rear of the facility, which is also a high-traffic area. Silva said: “While many environmentalists have hailed the use of these vehicles as beneficial, there is no documented reason why those consumers who own these automobiles would have any difficulty walking from other areas of the parking lot to gain entry into the liquor facility,” argues O’Brien in his letter to Mollica. “For individuals with handicapped tags, this is a very different story.”

Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau admits that the design concept at the liquor store is unique, and while she appreciates the concern, she believes that disabled residents are being provided with appropriate access the way it is currently laid out. “I am confident that the state and the city have made every effort to make sure the handicap spaces do not disadvantage anyone,” Lozeau said, maintaining that Nashua’s liquor store is one of the busiest in the state, and that many people use the public restrooms there without any intention of purchasing alcohol. Gov. John Lynch’s press secretary referred all questions to the liquor commission.

^ I don't see why the State Liquor Store can't have handicapped parking both in front of the store as well as by the restroom instead of in-between them. I completely agree that no Federal or State building (and in this case the State Liquor Store is owned by the State of New Hampshire)should give priority to anyone except the disabled. While it may be environmentally good to use a hybrid that doesn't mean the people inside the car can't walk the same distance as everyone else. If the hybrid car has a handicapped decal then there would be no problem. I think it is wrong for Gov. Lynch's office to send all questions to the Liquor Commission as his (the Governor's) office is the highest in the State and oversees all State Departments and Agencies within New Hampshire - ie the State Liquor Store/Liquor Commission. Too many people/groups/organizations around the country openly discriminate against the disabled despite the Federal laws preventing it. The laws mean nothing if they are not enforced and people/organizations involved not prosecuted then nothing will ever change and we will continue to treat the disabled as second-class citizens. ^

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20110806/NEWS07/708069993