Grinches, grinches everywhere (in Elgin)

After hearing of the Salvation Army break-in, I thought I'd remind you that grinches come in various sizes and types, including a few roaming the streets of Elgin while partaking at the public trough.

Before I begin, however, I want to thank the Daily Herald for the series of articles regarding communities utilizing the photo-enforcement cameras at intersections. Whatever the town, I've adopted a plan to combat this "money grab" and thus far it works quite well for me. Simply stated, I no longer buy anything in these communities and don't even drive through said cities and villages unless absolutely necessary.

I initially was glad that Elgin "resisted temptation" regarding these cameras, especially since the city has reaped approximately $2 million monthly from the Grand Victoria in past years. But, apparently, some of the lure of some easy money was too great as the city of Elgin has come up with their own plan to lure the uninitiated into coughing up some cash.

Of all places, the handicapped parking spaces at Provena St. Joseph Hospital (and heaven knows where else) seem to be easy pickings these days for those who park over the yellow line onto the hash marks. At $350 a crack for said violation, the $100 fine for a photo-camera violation pales in comparison. Recently, three out of four vehicles parked at the handicapped spaces near the main entrance at St. Joe's would have been subject to citations under Elgin's current criteria as each had a portion of a tire on the hash marks as my handicapped wife allegedly had recently. Beware of how and where you park in Elgin as the eyes and ears of law enforcement are looking down upon you.

Herb Weyers

Elgin