2020-05-19 Kari Frymire
Charlene Way
From:Kari Frymire <frymirek@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May 18, 2020 10:08 PM
To:City Clerk
Cc:jimjjust27@gmail.com
Subject:Support for Elisabeth Songe - Frazier Council Review
Dear Meridian City Council:
This message is in support of Elisabeth Songe, who I understand recently had her childcare permit
revoked due to a misunderstanding. While I have only met Elisabeth briefly, I have learned the facts of her
case through a friend who is directly involved. As a Meridian homeowner and supporter of community
members striving for self-sufficiency, I feel compelled to comment.
In the original public hearing in March, Elisabeth's neighbor stated concern about noise and parking, yet
her permit was revoked on the basis of her allegedly not following the correct process of having a
neighborhood meeting for her permit application. As a suburban homeowner, I understand concerns
about noise and traffic, but that is not relevant to his claim that Elisabeth did not hold the required
meeting. So, given the evidence since provided by Elisabeth and her attorney that she did hold the
meeting, the revocation based on her neighbor's invalid claim seems inappropriate. Moreover, I find it
extremely disheartening that the neighbor apparently never attempted to communicate his concerns with
Elisabeth or her family.
As a professional and mother of two children, I know how important quality childcare is to balance career
and family priorities. Elisabeth's childcare has provided a critical service in our community, and I
understand she also provides transportation which makes parking a non-issue for neighbors. I serve
clients sharing a lot of Elisabeth's circumstances, such as being immigrants with limited English and lack
of formal education. Those barriers to traditional employment make it even more essential that Elisabeth
maintain her small childcare to enable she and her family to stay in their home and continue contributing
to the Meridian economy.
I hope that the Council makes the right decision tomorrow, to allow Elisabeth to have her permit reinstated
and return to self-sufficiency.
Thank you for your time.
Kari Frymire
2847 N Lawson Pl
Meridian, ID 83646
Sent from my iPhone
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