Dear Vent Editor,

As a resident of the University-owned apartment complex on Fairfax Street, I hold my parking permit very closely. And the other day, when I noticed this ticket, it suddenly came clear as to why I hold it that way.

To live in the 706 building means that in addition to paying rent, I paid $50 for a parking permit to last the duration of the school year. It does not, however guarantee me a spot. I have to share this spot with faculty and staff during the day, and this pass does not permit me to park elsewhere (without risking another ticket).

So, when I went out of town, and had my windows down, I valued my ticket enough to ensure that it would not get blown away. I put it in my glove compartment to ensure that the pass would not blow out the window. I went out of town, and on my return neglected to put the permit back up on my mirror.

Leaving my car at my residence for a few days is not uncommon. When I was told I had a $10 ticket, I was in awe. Obviously, I am at fault for not having posted the ticket. That issue is not being disputed. Why, though, do I even need this thing? My car has been in the same spot all year. The same old fella comes by each morning to issue his neon pink joy to the world. I'm sure he sees my car each and every day.

I am a resident of the 706 building, and have indeed paid for a permit. Paying an additional $10 for a parking space I am not even guaranteed to begin with is a bit excessive. I feel that Parking Services should waive this violation, as I feel I have paid enough to park at my own risk.

Brian Korte
Decent Citizen

Name: Michael Sos
Comments:
The law caught up with me. I made a fake parking pass that was quite extrodinary. Unfortunatly it did not hold up to the damaging sun and I was caught. I also live in the university apartments, I didn't feel I should have to pay 50 bucks for a space that I wasn't guaranteed at an apartment complex that I pay rent for. One of my roomates who graduated in december gave me his parking pass but the university has informed me that this is against the rules because I didn't pay for it. The short arm of the law here at RU has punished me by making me pay a $100 ticket, a $50 fine, I am not to park on university grounds for 4 months(not including the summer), and I have to go to a class on the honor code. What have I learned? Make several parking passes and keep them in your glove compartment so the sun doesn't get you in trouble. I believe in high morals but I also know that the university is just trying to get more money out of me. I admit that I have commited a single honor code violation,I FABIRCATED a parking pass. The university parking services has committed several honor code violations. They have been DISHONEST about the number of parking spaces availible, they have CHEATED students out of money, and they have of taken advantage of the students vulnerability(which I am sure falls under the honor code somewhere). It is ethicaly wrong to sell more parking passes than number of spaces. If this happend to me at a movie theater, I wouldn't go back to it. Unfortunatly here at RU we have no choice but to bend over and take it in the ass. The administration does a great job of taking care of themselves but doesn't give a damn about thier customers, the students. Fuck the university and fuck parking services.

Name: Update from the author
Comments:
David, this Letter to the Editor (save paragraph 4 and the title of "decent citizen") was, in fact, my letter of appeals to Parking Services. They waived the ticket. It kind of makes me wonder though if Parking services is like a major manufacturing company who issues rebates...Everybody gets them, but the company is pretty much betting on the fact that no one is going to turn them in. Parking services issues a whole lot of tickets...and I'm willing to bet that they're assuming that most won't appeal. Now, i have no numbers on this or any factual evidence...this is just a theory. Also, they are legitimate tickets. I was in the wrong for not having posted my pass. It's not like they ticketed me for leaving groceries on my car seat or anything. Your message is quite valid. People, listen up...if you think it is wrong, APPEAL.

Name: Wade
Year: Sophomore
Major: History/Anthropology
Comments:
I would think that renting a university owned apartment would automatically entitle you to a space and that you wouldn't have to plop down the extra 50 bucks. That really is messed up. If you rent an apartment from most anywhere else around here, you gain the right to park in their parking lot without competing with a proff for a space. Would it not make sense to ask profesors to maybe take the shuttle bus? I understand that they work here, etc., but honestly if you're here from seven to five all day long, there's no need for you to have your car close by. I think the whole issue boils down to the on going debate about inadequate parking facalities at this university. However, it seems that no matter what you say or do, the administration is content with the status quo in parking here. If they can anticipate increased admissions, i think they can anticipate increased requests for parking. Also, as a side note, since on campus students park further away, how do the police protect our vehicles? Two weeks ago, while walking down by the river, I counted four cars that had smashed windows. I don't believe we should sacrifice both security and convenience.

Name: David
Year: N/A
Major: Administrator
Comments:
Hey, if you have a ticket and feel it is not valid, follow the appeals process. It is outlined in the parking brochure. If you feel the rules are unfair, contact your student, faculty or staff rep. on the Parking Committee. Just to bitch and not work for change is frustration at its best. There are ways to change things. Try it, it just mite work

Name: Dave Shifflett
Comments:
Brian, I have encountered the same types of aggravating crap that you have with parking. I had the wonderful opportunity of actually witnessing that geriatric meter maid WATCH the timer run out on my meter. luckily I was able to laugh in his face as I got in my car and drove off before the meter ran out.

Name: Dave Shifflett
Comments:
Brian, I have encountered the same types of aggravating crap that you have with parking. I had the wonderful opportunity of actually witnessing that geriatric meter maid WATCH the timer run out on my meter. luckily I was able to laugh in his face as I got in my car and drove off before the meter ran out.

Name: Jeff (the Vent Section Manager)
Comments:
Dear Readers - This is a new part of the Vent Section of WHIM. If you have a letter you would like printed in the Vent Section, please e-mail me. I am looking forward to hearing from you! :)

Comments:
True crimes are going on in this city, I'm sure, and we don't need officers of the law devoted to vehicle registration.