City's stimulus plan a real eye-opener

Having recently become aware of Naperville's apparent economic stimulus plan, I am comforted in knowing that our community is in good hands and that recovery is just around the corner. The city's tactic effectively requisitions our first responders, and perhaps even a few civilian residents involved in reconnaissance patrols, in a zealous campaign for capital. I participated in one such fundraiser on Easter Sunday, wherein I received a parking ticket for violating local ordinance 1102A-1: parking within 10 feet of a driveway while attending religious services early that morning. Having been born and raised in Chicago, a surge of big city nostalgia quickly rushed over me. And although it's unfortunately true that one can't go home again, for a mere $30 fine I was able to get pretty close. My wife on the other hand was in a bit of disbelief over the whole incident; while my two adolescent children immensely enjoyed their father's plight, but didn't much appreciate the brief civic lesson I was able to inject during our drive home. While I admit to parking within 5 to 7 feet of a driveway on Buckeye Drive that tranquil morning, I must also sheepishly confess to being unaware of the city's ordinance. Therefore, though typically not one to pass up an opportunity for self-promotion, I surprisingly find myself unable to claim credit for my volunteerism. Hence, I can state without a hint of false modesty that I am not a hero. Not yet, anyway, for I suspect I have been called to one day merit such acclaim through perhaps the recruitment of apathetic Napervillians having the similar good fortune to unwittingly violate the parking ordinance. In the meantime, let's strive forward with the installation of parking meters and privatizing enforcement.

Joseph M. Kinsella Jr.

Naperville