County Changes Tune, Will Allow Veterans To Park For Free At Courthouse

Taken away and now given back.

On Monday, El Paso County Commissioners reversed a decision they made just two weeks ago to take away free parking for some veterans at the County Courthouse.

“It makes me proud to be an American that we have a system that we can speak to our reps and they will listen to us,” said Mike Batkin, a Vietnam veteran. A month ago he told ABC-7 he was shocked at the decision to take away the parking to save about $9,000 in the county’s budget crisis.

Batkin, who lost a leg in combat and has nerve damage in his remaining leg, was gracious about the parking victory for veterans.

“I thought perhaps commissioners had just made a mistake and that maybe they just didn’t realize what they were doing,” Batkin said.

Commissioner Anna Perez, who initially voted to take away the free parking, admitted the county made a mistake.

“It’s a decision we probably made in haste,” Perez said.

So, she brought the item back before Commissioners Court which voted to rescind it.

“Certainly the veterans who use our facility have earned by far the privilege of just a parking space,” Perez said.

Perez said the reaction to taking away the parking was overwhelming.

“My office received quite a bit of feedback about whether we were appearing ungrateful to our veterans,” Perez said.

Batkin is happy things have worked out.

“It’s a great example of how our democracy works. That’s why I’m a veteran, why I fought for this country,” Batkin said.

If you are a disabled veteran, former P.O.W, or were awarded a Purple Heart or the Medal of Honor, and have the state designated license plates for that, you will receive free parking at the County Courthouse.