What do you get when you combine a bad idea, a disregard for local control and a highly questionable motive? You get something like Rep. Joe Palmer’s ill-conceived legislative trifecta: his bill to disable parking meters near the Statehouse during the legislative session. Palmer, R-Meridian (pictured), has been quiet during four years in the Statehouse. But his first attempt at high-profile legislation is a not-ready-for-prime-time effort ... Palmer says his idea is to provide free parking to allow Idahoans to attend hearings or talk to their lawmakers. But constituents would have to get up early in the morning to snag a free spot. The bill creates a first-come, first-served free-for-all for the coveted freebies, with Downtown workers and Statehouse lobbyists and reporters likely to avail themselves of the coveted spots/Idaho Statesman Editorial Board. More here.

Question: What would happen if the city allowed unlimited, free parking in downtown Coeur d'Alene?