A Break in the Case.....

Good News Everybody!

Sorry things have been a little quiet on the Scofflaw front, but here’s the latest. Monday night (5/20), Councilman Bernard “Jack” Young proposed a bill that would cap the fines associated with parking tickets at five times the original face value. You can read about it here:
http://www.investigativevoice.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=495:fine-freeze&catid=25:the-project&Itemid=44

He’s attempted legislation such as this in the past, however, it was deemed politically unpopular. Here’s our chance to make a difference this time. This bill has been referred to a subcommittee that is chaired by Councilman Jim Kraft. The more Scofflaws we can get to those hearings, the better chance we have of influencing this legislation. However, he can schedule the meeting whenever he’d like. We’ve been advised to flood his e-mail with requests to make sure the hearings concerning our bill are held AFTER 5PM so those of us with jobs can show and voice our opinions and concerns. So, here’s where you come in:

Councilman James Kraft:
james.kraft@baltimorecity.gov

Fire away! Send him an e-mail requesting an afternoon hearing (AFTER 5PM) and voice your opinion! Our little band of scofflaws has been moving smoothly thus far, and with surprisingly little effort, thanks to the Internet. Here’s a chance for you to take five minutes out of your day and help our cause. Let’s let him know we’re out here and when it comes time for the hearing, let’s fill the place! Let’s show our elected officials the organizational power of the Internet.

Unfortunately, passage of this bill will not mitigate our debts retroactively. Consequently, we still have some work to do on that front (i.e. amnesty). But passage of this bill should prevent this from ever happening again. Councilman Young will be on the C4 show (see link at right) at 1PM today, and I’ll be following at 1:30PM. I’ll post any updates I get and let’s get organized!!!