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!!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sign Our Petition and Spread the Word!
Just sent this message out via Facebook. Thought I'd post it here as well:
Here's your chance to help our group make a difference. Let's tell City Hall we're here, and we've had it. Our Letter of Intent has been edited as group, and one of our members (Alex TS), has created a page for everyone to sign it.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/baltimore-scofflaws
Take the next ten minutes of your day, and work for our cause. Our ability to create this change rests in your hands. Forward this e-mail to your friends. Message your entire Facebook friend list. Put this link on your profile, your status update, your blog, your IM away message. Post this on MySpace. Twitter. You name it. Let's see how viral we can go, and how many signatures we can get. You know someone with an ax to grind with the government? They don't even need to live here! This is our chance to let the WORLD know that we're sick of the exploitation, the misdirection, and the government run-around. Everyone's had their Scofflaw moment, whether it's here or in another city. Who knows? If we get enough signatures from across the country, this story could go national. Then what are they going to do?
Once the accumulation of signatures has slowed down, we'll print it out with all the names, and physically mail it to each City Council member, the Maryland Attorney General, the Mayor, whoever it takes to make a change.
We've been ignored individually. Let's see what happens when we knock on the door as a group.
Here's your chance to help our group make a difference. Let's tell City Hall we're here, and we've had it. Our Letter of Intent has been edited as group, and one of our members (Alex TS), has created a page for everyone to sign it.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/baltimore-scofflaws
Take the next ten minutes of your day, and work for our cause. Our ability to create this change rests in your hands. Forward this e-mail to your friends. Message your entire Facebook friend list. Put this link on your profile, your status update, your blog, your IM away message. Post this on MySpace. Twitter. You name it. Let's see how viral we can go, and how many signatures we can get. You know someone with an ax to grind with the government? They don't even need to live here! This is our chance to let the WORLD know that we're sick of the exploitation, the misdirection, and the government run-around. Everyone's had their Scofflaw moment, whether it's here or in another city. Who knows? If we get enough signatures from across the country, this story could go national. Then what are they going to do?
Once the accumulation of signatures has slowed down, we'll print it out with all the names, and physically mail it to each City Council member, the Maryland Attorney General, the Mayor, whoever it takes to make a change.
We've been ignored individually. Let's see what happens when we knock on the door as a group.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
C4, Fox 45, Initial Success and a Response to the Baltimore Sun
Wow. It’s been a whirlwind lately. We had the Fox45 story run at 5 and 11PM. I had a really nice discussion with C4 on WBAL 1090, and this morning I had a 3 minute spot during Fox45’s morning show, which I think went really well. But, I’d like to spend some time discussing the most recent stories that have emerged in the print/internet media.
First, Alisha Marchewka, one of our own Baltimore Scofflaws, was highlighted this morning by Stephen Janis of Investigative Voice. http://www.investigativevoice.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=369:scofflaws-strike-back-city-judge-waives-1900-in-fines-for-unpaid-tickets&catid=25:the-project&Itemid=44
You should read the story, but essentially Alisha discusses her court date fighting these tickets. Bottom line: it would seem the judge she faced agreed with our plight. She explained her situation, mentioned the letters of delinquency were sent to her old address in Oregon, and the judge stopped her mid-sentence and said, “I believe you.” Waived the fines. Wow. Congrats to Alisha! $1,900 down, perhaps millions to go. It’s also interesting to read just how disorganized the act of getting a trial and understanding her rights ultimately became. Bottom line: Request an officer! Read the story, and you’ll see why.
Some have argued that this should have been our initial recourse. However, given the arbitrary nature of these decisions, coupled with the fact that the law firm told me without the proper documentation and proof of payment, there’s no point to request a trial, I think we still need to push for our goals. Especially for those who no longer live within a convenient distance to Baltimore. I heard one story of a Scofflaw on the West Coast who was told she would have to address each of her four tickets INDIVIDUALLY in court. Whether this is true or not (and I’ll talk about this later), it is troubling that deliberate stumbling blocks are being put in our way to mitigate this situation.
Secondly, following Gus Sentementes’ fantastic story in the Sun on Monday, the paper saw it fit to print an editorial concerning our viewpoint entitled, “Pay Up”. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.parking21apr21,0,3513949.story
Again, I highly recommend reading the opinion before reading my commentary below. I’d like to respond within their space, but I’m not sure how much room I’d get or if it would even run at all. So, I’ll write-up something succinct, send it in, and see if they print it. But in the meantime, let’s look at their argument point by point.
In the Opinion of the Sun: Scofflaw motorists owe Baltimore roughly $181 million in overdue parking fines. That's a potential windfall - about six years' worth of slots revenue once gaming comes to town.
Not So Fast: Last I checked, it was $132 million, but if they found a new number to share with us, even better. Also, a windfall represents an amount of money that one does not expect to have or find, like the $40 million dollars the City of Baltimore just found in its couch cushions like week (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-cityaccount0415,0,4992609.story). Sadly, the city has publicly stated that we represent a viable revenue stream, so it sounds like less of a windfall and more of a demand. Also, it is illogical to compare the revenue garnered through gambling to the money they are attempting to extract from us. When one places a coin in a slot machine, there is an implicit understanding AT THAT TIME that one’s money could be headed to the state coffers. That person is a willing participant in his game of chance. To view our unknowing government funding as an equivalent participation is myopic and ludicrous.
In the Opinion of the Sun: Or put another way, it's enough to lower the city's property tax rate by nearly 50 cents for one year; right now, city homeowners are picking up the tab for parking violators.
Not So Fast: I wasn’t a math major, but I’d love for someone to explain how a “rate” can be reduced by “50 cents”. I was led to believe a rate, in the manner they are referring (namely a percentage and not a scientific measurement), is a unitless ratio created by dividing two numbers. If anyone can show me how to reduce 20% by 50 cents, you get a gold star. So, I’m not even sure what that number means. Did they mean to say “reduce the rate by 0.5%”? If so, someone in their editorial staff needs to crack an algebra book. Secondly, if it is our contention that the revenue was generated falsely, through either incompetence, deliberate action, or both, then the city should not count on this imaginary, contrived amount of money to reduce the average taxpayer’s burden. Also, I find it hard to believe that even if the city were to collect $132 or $181 million dollars from us, that city homeowners would ever see their “50 cents”, as it would be applied to a city surplus.
UPDATE SINCE PUBLISHING: It would appear I'm wrong on this point, at least the math part anyway.
This was posted by Courtney later that day:
Just a note of clarification for your second editorial point - property tax rates are typically expressed as a dollar amount per $100 of assessed value. Baltimore City, for example, is $2.268 per $100 of assessment (http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/taxrate.html).
The downside of blogging, with respect to print media, is that one can go back and change whatever one chooses. Namely, correct the past. In the spirit of fairness to our detractors, aside from blatent typos, all prior errors in fact or logic will be preserved as it would be for traditional print media. As an aside.....oops.
In the Opinion of the Sun: The late fees are what get most people in trouble, but given the parlous state of the city's finances now, calls to cap the $16 monthly late fee are premature.
Not So Fast: We have to clear up some vocabulary here first. The word parlous means to be dangerously cunning or shrewd. If the point of the article is to highlight how the city needs our money, then perhaps the city’s finances could best be described as “perilous”, thus making our calls to end the monthly late fees premature. Shrewd is a word that implies some level of planning or execution, which I would say the city has lacked thus far. Secondly, if the Sun is willing to admit the “late fees are what get most people in trouble”, then why not advocate for the benefit of the people rather than the usurious system that is currently in place?
In the Opinion of the Sun: Some motorists weren't notified of outstanding tickets because they changed addresses or live out of state. But much of the money is owed by commercial car rental companies that were left holding the bag for tickets accumulated by their customers. That's where the city should focus the bill collectors' efforts.
Not So Fast: So here, the authors concede leaning on Big Business is acceptable, however, harassing John Q. Public is a little more distasteful. I was under the impression the idea of American democracy was equality for all. Why should a company, which represents substantial tax revenue for the city, receive less sympathy in the face of injustice than me? Or you? Is this the city’s plan for attracting business and law-abiding tax payers to live in Baltimore?
In the Opinion of the Sun: And then there are the habitual scofflaws who simply ignored the citations - they don't deserve much sympathy.
Not So Fast: Agreed. However, they are a lost cause. If they truly don’t want to pay any tickets, why will they care about a letter from a law firm or even having the possibility of their credit ruined? I’ll save you the suspense, their credit is already ruined, and if they just register their cars in the names of other people, what can the city do? Nothing. Again, they cannot in expect this income.
In the Opinion of the Sun: In just three months, the debt collectors have recouped $11.6 million for the city.
Not So Fast: …and made $2.9 million for themselves when they took a 20% cut of the action. I wonder how many cents that would reduce the city’s property tax rate?
In the Opinion of the Sun: Critics think Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, a national law firm specializing in government debt collection, is too aggressive because it tracks down violators more efficiently than the city can. But that's why it was hired.
Not So Fast: In this paragraph, the authors are combining two actions that are unrelated. There is no doubt Linebarger is efficient. I don’t think anyone could argue against that point, and frankly, I don’t think it bothers anyone that they were. In fact, I wish the city had been able to do the same years ago! However, “tracking someone down” and “aggressive debt collection” are two different activities. Efficiently finding us is perfectly acceptable. But using harassing phone calls and disseminating false information to scare citizens into payment programs that still accrue late penalties (despite being told to the contrary), is despicable, and these are the actions of which we disapprove.
In the Opinion of the Sun: The firm does offer to work out a payment plan for scofflaws that stops the penalties from accumulating, though drivers could still face restrictions on renewing their license or vehicle registration. And the firm doesn't report to credit bureaus, as some have charged, so an overdue ticket won't affect drivers' credit ratings.
Not So Fast: We’ve addressed these charges above.
In the Opinion of the Sun: Motorists who think they've been ticketed improperly can always go to court, where they are at the mercy of a judge - a sympathetic one, they hope. An amnesty program would help cash-strapped drivers, but a law prevents such relief until 2013, and it needs to be changed. Another four years is too long to wait, especially when it's city taxpayers who'll be footing the bill.
Not So Fast: First, the injustice we’ve been subjected to should not be a matter of opinion, where we hope a judge will agree with us. It should be a matter fact. Namely, this situation should never have progressed to this point, and ticket amnesty would completely correct this travesty of mismanagement and disorganization. Secondly, how can the authors contend we should pay the entirety of our fines while simultaneously suggesting the laws surrounding amnesty should be updated? And lastly, the fallacy of the Baltimore Scofflaws stealing from city taxpayers has been outlined above.
In conclusion, I would like to say to the authors of this editorial, that for the reasons outlined above, I respectfully disagree.
First, Alisha Marchewka, one of our own Baltimore Scofflaws, was highlighted this morning by Stephen Janis of Investigative Voice. http://www.investigativevoice.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=369:scofflaws-strike-back-city-judge-waives-1900-in-fines-for-unpaid-tickets&catid=25:the-project&Itemid=44
You should read the story, but essentially Alisha discusses her court date fighting these tickets. Bottom line: it would seem the judge she faced agreed with our plight. She explained her situation, mentioned the letters of delinquency were sent to her old address in Oregon, and the judge stopped her mid-sentence and said, “I believe you.” Waived the fines. Wow. Congrats to Alisha! $1,900 down, perhaps millions to go. It’s also interesting to read just how disorganized the act of getting a trial and understanding her rights ultimately became. Bottom line: Request an officer! Read the story, and you’ll see why.
Some have argued that this should have been our initial recourse. However, given the arbitrary nature of these decisions, coupled with the fact that the law firm told me without the proper documentation and proof of payment, there’s no point to request a trial, I think we still need to push for our goals. Especially for those who no longer live within a convenient distance to Baltimore. I heard one story of a Scofflaw on the West Coast who was told she would have to address each of her four tickets INDIVIDUALLY in court. Whether this is true or not (and I’ll talk about this later), it is troubling that deliberate stumbling blocks are being put in our way to mitigate this situation.
Secondly, following Gus Sentementes’ fantastic story in the Sun on Monday, the paper saw it fit to print an editorial concerning our viewpoint entitled, “Pay Up”. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.parking21apr21,0,3513949.story
Again, I highly recommend reading the opinion before reading my commentary below. I’d like to respond within their space, but I’m not sure how much room I’d get or if it would even run at all. So, I’ll write-up something succinct, send it in, and see if they print it. But in the meantime, let’s look at their argument point by point.
In the Opinion of the Sun: Scofflaw motorists owe Baltimore roughly $181 million in overdue parking fines. That's a potential windfall - about six years' worth of slots revenue once gaming comes to town.
Not So Fast: Last I checked, it was $132 million, but if they found a new number to share with us, even better. Also, a windfall represents an amount of money that one does not expect to have or find, like the $40 million dollars the City of Baltimore just found in its couch cushions like week (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-cityaccount0415,0,4992609.story). Sadly, the city has publicly stated that we represent a viable revenue stream, so it sounds like less of a windfall and more of a demand. Also, it is illogical to compare the revenue garnered through gambling to the money they are attempting to extract from us. When one places a coin in a slot machine, there is an implicit understanding AT THAT TIME that one’s money could be headed to the state coffers. That person is a willing participant in his game of chance. To view our unknowing government funding as an equivalent participation is myopic and ludicrous.
In the Opinion of the Sun: Or put another way, it's enough to lower the city's property tax rate by nearly 50 cents for one year; right now, city homeowners are picking up the tab for parking violators.
Not So Fast: I wasn’t a math major, but I’d love for someone to explain how a “rate” can be reduced by “50 cents”. I was led to believe a rate, in the manner they are referring (namely a percentage and not a scientific measurement), is a unitless ratio created by dividing two numbers. If anyone can show me how to reduce 20% by 50 cents, you get a gold star. So, I’m not even sure what that number means. Did they mean to say “reduce the rate by 0.5%”? If so, someone in their editorial staff needs to crack an algebra book. Secondly, if it is our contention that the revenue was generated falsely, through either incompetence, deliberate action, or both, then the city should not count on this imaginary, contrived amount of money to reduce the average taxpayer’s burden. Also, I find it hard to believe that even if the city were to collect $132 or $181 million dollars from us, that city homeowners would ever see their “50 cents”, as it would be applied to a city surplus.
UPDATE SINCE PUBLISHING: It would appear I'm wrong on this point, at least the math part anyway.
This was posted by Courtney later that day:
Just a note of clarification for your second editorial point - property tax rates are typically expressed as a dollar amount per $100 of assessed value. Baltimore City, for example, is $2.268 per $100 of assessment (http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/taxrate.html).
The downside of blogging, with respect to print media, is that one can go back and change whatever one chooses. Namely, correct the past. In the spirit of fairness to our detractors, aside from blatent typos, all prior errors in fact or logic will be preserved as it would be for traditional print media. As an aside.....oops.
In the Opinion of the Sun: The late fees are what get most people in trouble, but given the parlous state of the city's finances now, calls to cap the $16 monthly late fee are premature.
Not So Fast: We have to clear up some vocabulary here first. The word parlous means to be dangerously cunning or shrewd. If the point of the article is to highlight how the city needs our money, then perhaps the city’s finances could best be described as “perilous”, thus making our calls to end the monthly late fees premature. Shrewd is a word that implies some level of planning or execution, which I would say the city has lacked thus far. Secondly, if the Sun is willing to admit the “late fees are what get most people in trouble”, then why not advocate for the benefit of the people rather than the usurious system that is currently in place?
In the Opinion of the Sun: Some motorists weren't notified of outstanding tickets because they changed addresses or live out of state. But much of the money is owed by commercial car rental companies that were left holding the bag for tickets accumulated by their customers. That's where the city should focus the bill collectors' efforts.
Not So Fast: So here, the authors concede leaning on Big Business is acceptable, however, harassing John Q. Public is a little more distasteful. I was under the impression the idea of American democracy was equality for all. Why should a company, which represents substantial tax revenue for the city, receive less sympathy in the face of injustice than me? Or you? Is this the city’s plan for attracting business and law-abiding tax payers to live in Baltimore?
In the Opinion of the Sun: And then there are the habitual scofflaws who simply ignored the citations - they don't deserve much sympathy.
Not So Fast: Agreed. However, they are a lost cause. If they truly don’t want to pay any tickets, why will they care about a letter from a law firm or even having the possibility of their credit ruined? I’ll save you the suspense, their credit is already ruined, and if they just register their cars in the names of other people, what can the city do? Nothing. Again, they cannot in expect this income.
In the Opinion of the Sun: In just three months, the debt collectors have recouped $11.6 million for the city.
Not So Fast: …and made $2.9 million for themselves when they took a 20% cut of the action. I wonder how many cents that would reduce the city’s property tax rate?
In the Opinion of the Sun: Critics think Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, a national law firm specializing in government debt collection, is too aggressive because it tracks down violators more efficiently than the city can. But that's why it was hired.
Not So Fast: In this paragraph, the authors are combining two actions that are unrelated. There is no doubt Linebarger is efficient. I don’t think anyone could argue against that point, and frankly, I don’t think it bothers anyone that they were. In fact, I wish the city had been able to do the same years ago! However, “tracking someone down” and “aggressive debt collection” are two different activities. Efficiently finding us is perfectly acceptable. But using harassing phone calls and disseminating false information to scare citizens into payment programs that still accrue late penalties (despite being told to the contrary), is despicable, and these are the actions of which we disapprove.
In the Opinion of the Sun: The firm does offer to work out a payment plan for scofflaws that stops the penalties from accumulating, though drivers could still face restrictions on renewing their license or vehicle registration. And the firm doesn't report to credit bureaus, as some have charged, so an overdue ticket won't affect drivers' credit ratings.
Not So Fast: We’ve addressed these charges above.
In the Opinion of the Sun: Motorists who think they've been ticketed improperly can always go to court, where they are at the mercy of a judge - a sympathetic one, they hope. An amnesty program would help cash-strapped drivers, but a law prevents such relief until 2013, and it needs to be changed. Another four years is too long to wait, especially when it's city taxpayers who'll be footing the bill.
Not So Fast: First, the injustice we’ve been subjected to should not be a matter of opinion, where we hope a judge will agree with us. It should be a matter fact. Namely, this situation should never have progressed to this point, and ticket amnesty would completely correct this travesty of mismanagement and disorganization. Secondly, how can the authors contend we should pay the entirety of our fines while simultaneously suggesting the laws surrounding amnesty should be updated? And lastly, the fallacy of the Baltimore Scofflaws stealing from city taxpayers has been outlined above.
In conclusion, I would like to say to the authors of this editorial, that for the reasons outlined above, I respectfully disagree.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Snowball Continues.....
Got a Facebook message from FOX45 this morning. They wanted to do an interview for their 5PM news. Just wrapped it up, and I think it went really well. Sounds like they'll be focusing more on the website and the group as a whole, but we'll see how they edit it. Wish I didn't wear a hoodie and a Red Sox hat to work today, but I basically wear that everday. How was I supposed to know they'd try and get in touch with me?? They also want me on their morning show tomorrow morning (4/22), so I'll be talking about our cause at 6:50AM. http://www.foxbaltimore.com/
Looks like we're really getting taken seriously. This is happening people!
Again, I'll post more info when I get it.
Looks like we're really getting taken seriously. This is happening people!
Again, I'll post more info when I get it.
Scofflaws Hit the Airwaves
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up. After the Sun story broke yesterday, I received two more interview requests. The first was last night, for WJZ which aired on the 11PM news last night. You can see the clip here: http://wjz.com/local/parking.tickets.2.989850.html . The video is in the upper right hand corner.
One of the questions they asked me, but unfortunately it didn't make the cut, was whether I was afraid to fight City Hall. I replied that it wasn't a problem at all, because I'm not fighting City Hall. We're fighting City Hall. They only had 2 minutes to cover our story (which was more than I thought we'd get, to be honest), and I think they did a pretty good job of distilling the problem down within that period of time.
Today at 2PM I'll be talking with Clarence Mitchell, IV (C4) on 1090AM WBAL radio. Check it out using the links on the right side of this page, and keep telling your friends!
Also, one of our fellow Scofflaws has her court date this morning to fight her tickets. Hopefully all goes well, and she said she'll post her results at the Facebook group. Maybe we can learn something from her experience. I'll make sure to repost any pertinent information here.
The producer at WJZ told me they picked up our story simply because of the traffic the Sun received on their website concerning our story. For a good portion of the day, it was the most viewed AND the most e-mailed story on their entire site, so keep it up! Forward our information around and put us in your Status Update on Facebook.
I was talking to two people in Fed Hill last night while I was grabbing a bite to eat before the interview. I told them our story, they became interested, and now they're joining up simply to support our cause! The more people we get interested, the more traffic we can create, the more opportunities we have to make a difference in this city.
More info when it becomes available.....
One of the questions they asked me, but unfortunately it didn't make the cut, was whether I was afraid to fight City Hall. I replied that it wasn't a problem at all, because I'm not fighting City Hall. We're fighting City Hall. They only had 2 minutes to cover our story (which was more than I thought we'd get, to be honest), and I think they did a pretty good job of distilling the problem down within that period of time.
Today at 2PM I'll be talking with Clarence Mitchell, IV (C4) on 1090AM WBAL radio. Check it out using the links on the right side of this page, and keep telling your friends!
Also, one of our fellow Scofflaws has her court date this morning to fight her tickets. Hopefully all goes well, and she said she'll post her results at the Facebook group. Maybe we can learn something from her experience. I'll make sure to repost any pertinent information here.
The producer at WJZ told me they picked up our story simply because of the traffic the Sun received on their website concerning our story. For a good portion of the day, it was the most viewed AND the most e-mailed story on their entire site, so keep it up! Forward our information around and put us in your Status Update on Facebook.
I was talking to two people in Fed Hill last night while I was grabbing a bite to eat before the interview. I told them our story, they became interested, and now they're joining up simply to support our cause! The more people we get interested, the more traffic we can create, the more opportunities we have to make a difference in this city.
More info when it becomes available.....
Monday, April 20, 2009
Rough Draft of our Letter of Intent
I mentioned in the earlier post today that I'd update our Letter of Intent, and publish it here for comments or concerns. I reread it this afternoon, and I decided it was still pretty close to what we want, so here it is. Please feel free to comment, because the more we edit this together, the more it's OUR letter of intent, and not mine. It just seemed to make sense for someone to get the ball rolling.
To Whom it May Concern,
We would like to petition your support by informing you of a burgeoning social movement within your constituency. Our associates seek a fair settlement with the City of Baltimore to clear our names of violations apparently many years old, in some cases totaling thousands of dollars. We would also appreciate any attempt on your part to champion an end to the usurious regulations City Hall seeks to validate in exacting its interesting brand of social justice. A brief examination of our plight quickly reveals the gross neglect and moral injustice we feel has been perpetrated.
This March, 80,000 current and former citizens of Baltimore received notice from a private law firm to settle 183,000 parking violations worth, in their estimation, $132 million dollars. Many within our group were completely unaware that any violations had been accruing $16/month in delinquency fees, in some cases, for six years without prior notification. With the city requiring less proof for prosecution than it does for personal defense, we have been deemed guilty until proven innocent. Also, with many city judges wondering whether or not they have the right to waive our fines, even if an error can been proven, we find ourselves in judicial purgatory. During these troubling economic times, we consider it a personal affront that the City of Baltimore finds it perfectly natural to seek an average of $1,650 per person to expunge our records of crimes initially valued at $27.
We have discovered all too personally that no limit exists on how much a delinquent violation can be worth to the city. In a troubling turn of events, the city tacitly admitted their incompetence in executing their own guidelines by hiring an independent collection agency. Furthermore, this agency ostensibly proved the city’s ineptitude when they were able to efficiently contact 80,000 people in a matter of weeks. It is our opinion that with no incentive to settle these debts in a timely manner, the city married bureaucratic incompetence with socially irresponsible law to establish a license to print money.
Within the guidelines the city has set forth, one year of neglect concerning 183,000 violations would garner the city an obscene profit of $35,136,000. An amazing feat, considering this would represent more than half of the expected $60 million dollar deficit facing City Hall in 2010. Mayor Dixon’s administration has publicly stated our apparent transgressions represent a viable source of revenue to mitigate this shortfall, which we find comical, as complete compliance with their program would result in a $72 million dollar profit at our expense. However, when one examines the facts, creating $35 million dollars of imaginary revenue during one year of procrastination is not a daunting task, when your fee schedule approximates a one-year APR of 652%.
Consequently, we ask you to join us in achieving our two primary goals. First, for Baltimore to join the ranks of New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Birmingham, Greensboro, Lubbock, Fort Wayne, Kansas City, Detroit, Los Angeles, Denver, Albany, Raleigh, Atlanta, Orlando and numerous other counties and municipalities that have offered ticket amnesty programs to those with outstanding debt. We do not doubt the right of the city to exact fines and fees. However, we urge City Hall to exact their authority in a responsible manner as the aforementioned cities have chosen. We have recently discovered that the city has the ability to offer a two-day ticket amnesty every ten years; therefore, our request is not without precedent. In fact, the city of Chicago found their recent amnesty program so successful, it was extended a number of weeks due to the resounding public response and the financial gain afforded to the government without the added cost of lawsuits or private collection agencies.
Secondly, we ask that you use your influence to draft responsible legislation that would effectively close the loophole our city currently possesses to unduly tax its citizens. If the MVA cannot find itself beyond reproach due to the recent allegations of fake parking tickets and recycled license plates, then the populace that stands to suffer from its disorganization should be afforded the benefit of a limited fine structure. Sadly, from the logical standpoint of revenue creation, it is not in the short term interest of our government to end its current practices. Yet, philosophically, we hope you agree that a just government engenders a just populace, and it is our hope that you will join us in achieving this end.
As Americans, we forge a social contract with the government each time we bestow upon its members the responsibility of our rights, livelihood, and well-being in the form of a ballot. We feel this contract as been abused and violated, to the point where the city views its citizens as sources of income, rather than partners in the American experiment. After this embarrassing chapter in the history of our city is written, we hope it is your desire to count yourself among those who made a difference.
To Whom it May Concern,
We would like to petition your support by informing you of a burgeoning social movement within your constituency. Our associates seek a fair settlement with the City of Baltimore to clear our names of violations apparently many years old, in some cases totaling thousands of dollars. We would also appreciate any attempt on your part to champion an end to the usurious regulations City Hall seeks to validate in exacting its interesting brand of social justice. A brief examination of our plight quickly reveals the gross neglect and moral injustice we feel has been perpetrated.
This March, 80,000 current and former citizens of Baltimore received notice from a private law firm to settle 183,000 parking violations worth, in their estimation, $132 million dollars. Many within our group were completely unaware that any violations had been accruing $16/month in delinquency fees, in some cases, for six years without prior notification. With the city requiring less proof for prosecution than it does for personal defense, we have been deemed guilty until proven innocent. Also, with many city judges wondering whether or not they have the right to waive our fines, even if an error can been proven, we find ourselves in judicial purgatory. During these troubling economic times, we consider it a personal affront that the City of Baltimore finds it perfectly natural to seek an average of $1,650 per person to expunge our records of crimes initially valued at $27.
We have discovered all too personally that no limit exists on how much a delinquent violation can be worth to the city. In a troubling turn of events, the city tacitly admitted their incompetence in executing their own guidelines by hiring an independent collection agency. Furthermore, this agency ostensibly proved the city’s ineptitude when they were able to efficiently contact 80,000 people in a matter of weeks. It is our opinion that with no incentive to settle these debts in a timely manner, the city married bureaucratic incompetence with socially irresponsible law to establish a license to print money.
Within the guidelines the city has set forth, one year of neglect concerning 183,000 violations would garner the city an obscene profit of $35,136,000. An amazing feat, considering this would represent more than half of the expected $60 million dollar deficit facing City Hall in 2010. Mayor Dixon’s administration has publicly stated our apparent transgressions represent a viable source of revenue to mitigate this shortfall, which we find comical, as complete compliance with their program would result in a $72 million dollar profit at our expense. However, when one examines the facts, creating $35 million dollars of imaginary revenue during one year of procrastination is not a daunting task, when your fee schedule approximates a one-year APR of 652%.
Consequently, we ask you to join us in achieving our two primary goals. First, for Baltimore to join the ranks of New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Birmingham, Greensboro, Lubbock, Fort Wayne, Kansas City, Detroit, Los Angeles, Denver, Albany, Raleigh, Atlanta, Orlando and numerous other counties and municipalities that have offered ticket amnesty programs to those with outstanding debt. We do not doubt the right of the city to exact fines and fees. However, we urge City Hall to exact their authority in a responsible manner as the aforementioned cities have chosen. We have recently discovered that the city has the ability to offer a two-day ticket amnesty every ten years; therefore, our request is not without precedent. In fact, the city of Chicago found their recent amnesty program so successful, it was extended a number of weeks due to the resounding public response and the financial gain afforded to the government without the added cost of lawsuits or private collection agencies.
Secondly, we ask that you use your influence to draft responsible legislation that would effectively close the loophole our city currently possesses to unduly tax its citizens. If the MVA cannot find itself beyond reproach due to the recent allegations of fake parking tickets and recycled license plates, then the populace that stands to suffer from its disorganization should be afforded the benefit of a limited fine structure. Sadly, from the logical standpoint of revenue creation, it is not in the short term interest of our government to end its current practices. Yet, philosophically, we hope you agree that a just government engenders a just populace, and it is our hope that you will join us in achieving this end.
As Americans, we forge a social contract with the government each time we bestow upon its members the responsibility of our rights, livelihood, and well-being in the form of a ballot. We feel this contract as been abused and violated, to the point where the city views its citizens as sources of income, rather than partners in the American experiment. After this embarrassing chapter in the history of our city is written, we hope it is your desire to count yourself among those who made a difference.
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.
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.
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