Granting extra autonomy to the cities to make their own laws serves some good purposes. First, it empowers people at grass roots. Second, it allows cities to cater to the people’s needs that are specific to their region. While the idea sounds good, the system, when enforced, does have some drawbacks. Take my story for example.
The Citation. It's ironical that I affix a Liberty Bell postal stamp.
Few days ago, we visited our friend’s family that lives in the city of Arcadia, CA. After a wonderful stay for a couple of days, we prepared to head back home. We bid good bye, loaded our luggage, and got settled inside our car. As I was starting the car, I noticed a white envelope that was left hanging beneath the windshield wiper. I stepped out to see what it was. It was a citation for parking violation. “What?!!” I exclaimed. It was a peculiar feeling – a mixture of confusion, frustration, and amusement. The car was parked perfectly well from all angles. It was parked within a feet of the curb, the curb wasn’t painted red, and there was no No Parking sign anywhere nearby. The only sign was the one that said, “No Parking Wednesdays from 8AM to 10AM,” and we weren’t in that window. So why did I get a citation? The reason given behind the receipt was “Overnight Parking.”
Street Signs
Apparently, the city of Arcadia has a rule that no vehicles must be parked on the streets overnight. I felt determined to contest the citation, and requested for an administrative review. I cited all the reasons, attached all the street pictures. My appeal, however, did not stand ground. What was the reason stated? “Signs at entrances to city.” It’s awful that the city administration expects the visitors to stop their cars by the side of the freeways and read all the signs before entering the city.
Grounds for Dismissal
Though I could have appealed yet again, I decided not to go for it. I paid the $53 fine and washed my hands. The so called democratic institutions, however transparent, still exhibit traits of oligarchy. I could possibly win against the city of Arcadia, but the chances are very low. Facing penalties for no fault of yours is a part and parcel of the system. Shouldn’t we adapt to live in that system?
The Citation. It's ironical that I affix a Liberty Bell postal stamp.
Street Signs
Grounds for Dismissal
1 comments:
It been years & still I'm trying to understand that how they can tow any vehicle having no sign nearby? Best part of this system is no one cares to inform the owner. Since day one we've adapted it here.
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