By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Apr 15, 2015 at 5:14 PM Photography: Bobby Tanzilo

I recently suffered a health issue that caused me to start walking with a cane, and I never realized how unkind the city of Milwaukee can be.

My stroke left me with a balance problem. So, I walk slower and with a cane.

I was going to the Public Market this week and the only parking spot was on the west end of the street, the last spot. It was one of those spots without a meter but with a sign showing the number of the parking spot. 

In order to pay for the spot I had to drag myself all the way to the east end of the block. It took me forever since I now move at a snail's pace. 

I've always hated these things, but my hate has now reached huge levels. I can't imagine what it might be like for someone in a wheelchair or on crutches to have to make this long journey. 

The city likes these things because it places less pressure on those lovely parking checkers and reduces the manpower needed to collect cash from other meters. This is yet another example of government doing something to make it easy on itself even if it mean that things are harder for its citizens.

The city makes almost $5 million a year in revenue from parking meters. And now they are making it harder for disabled people to park Downtown.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.