To the editors:
To me, (and undoubtedly to countless others) Mr. Alan Melzer in the August 9 Neighborhood News article came across as a chronic complainer with too much time on his hands (despite his claim of being too busy to look through his parking tickets). He knowingly parked at broken meters–where cops are able to ticket. . . . If you can get a ticket at a broken meter why stay there and ask for it? (You can contest it later but why bother?) . . .
(Before I continue, I’d like to know how Mr. Melzer expects the officers to remove those blasted stickers from the meter–that is the real nuisance. . . . Mr. Melzer probably got the tickets from cops aggravated over stickers posted over the window of the meter.)
It also appears that the scope of Mr. Melzer’s anger goes beyond the Bureau of Parking Enforcement. Blaming Mayor Daley is WRONG. He is the mayor, elected to help the city–and if he feels collecting on delinquent parking tickets from those who “haven’t had the time” to pay them (of which Mr. Melzer is a prime example) will help the city’s budget then I do not see the foundation of Mr. Melzer’s criticism.
He explains that “at least two” of the 15 tickets were not rightfully issued. . . . Well, less than two is one and if it’s the measly $30.00 that has got him all wound up–then, hell, I’ll write him a check just to get him off this ridiculously futile crusade. I have an idea! . . . Why not pay the other 13 . . . put the 2 (or 1) undeserved tickets aside and get them dismissed in court at your convenience.
WHY was this in the newspaper?!? I feel sad that someone thought this was printworthy. The city should have written an article complaining about how Alan Melzer has withheld funds from the city by ignoring his parking tickets . . .
Mr. Melzer is NOT a victim; the city is a victim of his antics and whining. . . . I suggest the next time he discovers that the parking meter he just drove up to is broken, to drive on and find another parking space (not slap stickers–defacing something he does not own) AND just pay your fucking tickets. . . . Based on what you say, I believe you deserved them.
After reading the most unsubstantiated argument ever attempted, I can only envision Mr. Melzer’s vehicle as Cinderella awaiting that fateful day when the boot will be magically locked in place on its back tire . . .
It’s just that Mr. Melzer seems to be his own worst enemy. . . . He is out all this valuable time and money: the court filing fee, penalties for late payment and possibly (hopefully) the boot (and all the expenses that go with it). How could he possibly be profiting from this absurd crusade?!? If he needs suggestions on how to spend his time and money he can call me . . .
Mad
Chicago