Good News Everyone!

First, again, I’d like to thank everyone for their efforts in posting any and all information they have about their cases. We’re getting more visibility, and these stories really help put a face on the financial burden the city is exacting on its current and former citizens.

Secondly, the story we’ve been waiting for has finally hit the newsstands: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-md.scofflaws20apr20,0,3873907.story

It’s really informative and a great read. I’ve already thanked Gus for doing a fantastic job, and you can too at the following: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/consuminginterests/blog/ . At one point today, it was the most viewed and the most e-mailed story on the Baltimore Sun website. Clearly, we’ve touched a nerve, and if we keep showing them we’re interested, we should get more press and hopefully some answers. In fact, we’re already reaping the benefits of a higher profile. I received an e-mail from WBAL radio this morning, and I’ll be talking about the story and our situation at 2PM EST on the C4 show. If you’re interested, you can stream it here: http://www.wbal.com/ or listen locally on 1090AM.

And that’s not all! Don’t forget about Stephen Janis and Investigative Voice. He’s still on the case, and he’s published two stories this week highlighting our plight. The first is here: http://www.investigativevoice.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=309:parking-tickects&catid=25:the-project&Itemid=44

Check it out, as it describes the steps the city may take to really put the screws to us. I’d describe it further, but Stephen does a better job than I could. The second story is here: http://www.investigativevoice.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=329:ticket-taker&catid=25:the-project&Itemid=44

Some judges think they can waive the fines, some think they can’t. So what’s the real story? Read more at the Investigative Voice. Stephen’s been mentioning our story almost every week on the Ed Norris Show, Tuesdays at 9AM (see the links section to the right for streaming info).

I’ll be working today on a rough draft of our Letter of Intent. I wrote a letter a few weeks ago, but so much as changed since then, it should probably be rewritten. I’ll post it here and on our Facebook page for constructive criticism before I send it out. The more eyeballs we can get on this before we start sending it to elected officials, the better we will articulate our message. One of our new recruits from this morning has offered her services that will allow any of our members to send e-mails to all the elected officials in Baltimore at the same time. This seems like a convenient way to get started, and clog a few inboxes.

I was also fascinated at some of the negative comments we’ve received about our beliefs and goals. It hadn’t really occurred to me that anyone would support the government’s decision to attach a tenuously legal fine structure to a less than accountable MVA ticketing system. But, it would seem that in any political discourse, you are going to find people on both sides of the argument. So, in the spirit of our social experiment, I started a message board thread for dissenters, with the following post:

I was a bit taken back when I received some negative comments about our group following the publication of the story in the Baltimore Sun. I wasn't sure anyone could logically support the regulations the city has in place for tickets and fees. However, it would appear there are those who support the city and their practices. I like to think of this group and our motives as a social experiment in American justice. As with any political discourse, there will be people who fall on either side of the issue. Our American democracy is at its strongest when we argue vehemently over the important issues of the day, as any discourse is better than no discourse. Thus, I invite anyone who supports the city's position to post their ideas, concerns, and questions here. I certainly do not believe any of our viewpoints will change your opinions, but only better inform you of our motivations. Hopefully, by answering your criticisms, we can further sharpen our arguments, and achieve our goals. Supporters and dissenters are equally welcome.

I’d like to think the same freedom applies to this blog and the comment sections it holds. Although, I’d like to make sure all the discourse remains well thought-out and civil. Remarking that we’re a group of whiners who just don’t want to pay their fines doesn’t fall into either of these categories. However, I posted the remark I received via Facebook that sparked the above message thread. Actually, for those who don’t subscribe to Facebook, I’ll post it here too:

Adam made a comment about your link:
"Big late penalties aren't excessive or cruel and unusual. Why should the burden fall on the city to remind you over and over again that you're ignoring a parking ticket? They probably issue hundreds each week. Unless you're completely outrageous, I'm sure you get less than that in a year. It's alot easier for you to remember to pay it thhan it is for the city to keep track of who hasn't paid, how late they are, and then send out reminders. Why should I subsidize your defiance/forgetfulness? You know you got the ticket. It told you there would be penalties for paying late. And you know you didn't pay it. Without stiff late penalties, there's no incentive for people like you to pay their tickets. Even if you honestly forgot, you probably won't next time if you get dinged for $600+ on a $21 ticket. Maybe the city should stop picking up your garbage and then start a facebook group complaining about your angry phone calls 6 months later."

I disagree, but apart from the last line, it's civil and at least follows a thread of logic. In conclusion, we’re making progress. Keep posting your stories. Keep e-mailing elected officials. Forward this blog on to your friends. Support the media outlets covering our situation, and I’ll be in touch with more information when I get it.