To the editor:
On Dec. 23, I pulled my car around the corner of Main Street and South Temple in front of the Kennecott Building, where my very pregnant wife was waiting for me to pick her up. I drove around a parking enforcement officer who was giving out a ticket.I stopped and jumped out to help my wife into the car. The parking officer asked me to move my car. I said I would move as soon as I helped my wife into the car. I then hopped into the driver's seat, and we drove off.
To my surprise, on Jan. 9 I received a "second traffic ticket" notice, which said my fine had been raised to $25. I proceeded to the City-County Building to protest this ticket. There I was treated like a criminal.
I explained to the hearing officer my story and how I never received a "first notice." The hearing officer then asked why I didn't pay the ticket when I first received it. This proves whatever is said to the officer goes in one ear and out the other.
She then explained how I could go and present my case in court, stressing that if I lost, I would have to pay all the court costs. Knowing that court would be a vain attempt, I paid the fine.
What has discouraged me was the unprofessional way the parking enforcement officer acted. I was in the wrong for stopping in a loading zone. But with my wife in her condition, I didn't want her walk to the nearest opening between parked cars to pick her up. If a ticket is written, then it should be presented to that person who was in the wrong, not held on to by the issuer.
If the city of Salt Lake is so hard up for revenue from traffic tickets, then I feel sorry for it indeed. I know my small fine probably paid only this parking enforcement officer's salary for the day. I have since wondered if they work on a commission basis. Thanks for a great experience, one I'll never forget or forgive.
Steven Holfeltz Jr.
Salt Lake City