Police too busy enforcing parking

Apparently, there has been a serious influx in crime in Arlington Heights; and not just any crime, one crime in particular -- parking violations.

I don't know for sure but it certainly seems to be the case judging from the way cops are cracking down on two-hour parking limits on near-empty streets at 11 p.m. on weeknights. Either that, or it must be the only source of revenue the village can count on. And I doubt it's the latter considering the recent tax hikes.

It's really a shame that the original philosophy of parking restrictions has been forgotten for the sake of enlarged egos and revenue. The idea of two-hour parking limits is to open up spaces on busy days, not to force people to park four blocks from their houses in the middle of the night to appease egoistic police officers. If the streets are empty, why shouldn't we be allowed to park there forever? Isn't the money generated from our tax dollars in the first place? So what's the need of punishing us $30 for backing into a space instead of pulling in headfirst?

But my hope is dwindling. Just one minute of conversation and it's obvious suburban cops don't have any reason why they're writing you a ticket for parking too long on an empty street, either. Wake up. Cops from Chicago laugh at this town because our targeted criminals consist of parking violators and bored teenagers drinking beer in their parent's basements. For once I'm wishing there was real crime in this town so cops would get some perspective and stop enforcing rules for no reason other than to appear tough. At least the force should get off our backs in the meantime. I'm losing respect for them faster than it takes to write me another ticket.

Jake Wentzel

Arlington Heights