Newport Cliff Walk parking - ethical issue

[DZ]

For those of you who are interested: Some members of the Newport City Council are seeking to restrict the issue of the "Newport Fishing Vehicle Parking Permit" to Newport residents only. Apparently some Newport surf fishermen are complaining that they can't find parking spots on Ruggles Ave and Ledge Road because they are already taken by "out of town" fishermen. This season there have been 207 permits issued: Newport Residents(77), Middletown(30), Portsmouth(14), Mass(47), Rest of RI and other states(39).
I went to last night's Newport City Council meeting representing my fishing club. I expressed my displeasure with the proposal knowing full well that many of our members who have a permit are Newport County residents and I'm trying to protect this privilege for them. My argument was well received by the council. I feel our club is in an ethical dilemma. Should we be trying to protect parking access to the Cliff Walk for those fishermen who trash the place up and give all local fishermen a bad image? I hate the thought that some of my very best fishing buddies from Middletown, Portsmouth and beyond may not be able to get the parking permit if this new ordinance passes. The first reading of the proposed ordinance passed last night but could be amended at the next reading.
I asked councilwomen Kate Leonard to try and come up with a compromise such as restricting the issue of passes to "Newport County" residents which would include Middletown and Portsmouth fishermen. The council may also come up with an adjusted non-resident fee for the permit which I'm sure will be much higher than the current $10 so as to limit who will purchase it. I don't like supporting anything that restricts access for surf fishermen but I may have to so as to protect access for Newport resident surf fishermen.
What are your feelings? Any suggestions?
DZ