My name is Jonathon Kalik and I am currently a student at the College of Charleston. I have lived in Charleston my entire life, as well as been completely in love with the city since day one. Not only am I in love with the city, I have great respect for what you personally have done for our city. My family makes it’s living from the tourism industry, and under your leadership Charleston tourism has thrived. Post graduation I hope to continue in the family field and remain relevant in Charleston’s tourism enterprise.
The reason I have chosen to write you with a concern is due to parking ticket enforcement in Charleston. I am not a repeat offender of the parking laws in and around downtown Charleston, but this week I have witnessed first hand the horrendous way in which the business of parking is conducted. Specifically, my issue derives from the attitude of those issuing the citations, as well as the system for repeals.
In the past week alone I have received three parking tickets. I am not writing you to discuss the specific nature of my infractions, but the unreasonable system surrounding the Parking Authority. I understand the importance of Parking Authority both economically and for traffic safety throughout Charleston.
Once a ticket is received, an offender either must pay the ticket in a certain time frame, or go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to dispute the ticket. The system is set up specifically to discourage the public from being able to dispute tickets.
I personally have two full time jobs. I take classes year round, and specifically this summer from 9:45 am to 11:30 am, as well as work in the restaurant business from 4:00 pm until 11:30 pm. The DMV only allows disputes to be made during limited hours 4:30 to 6:30 and 9:30 to 11:30 as you can see these times overlap.
I have contacted the DMV numerous times, and have received the same automated answer from the receptionist. “You may place your claims between the hours listed on the back of your citation.”
It is a system set in place by officials with no leniency. No exceptions to the rule, and really no humanity. Not to mention that those who deliver these citations seem to mirror that of the system itself.
What am I asking of you? What are my options to change the way the system works? Where is one to go when the system repeatedly slams the door in their face? And secondly, how can we, “the friendliest city in America” change the system, so those who work hard for the city of Charleston, and love the city of Charleston don’t suffer because of unfair parking legislation. Please help me understand my options so this doesn’t continue to happen to the good people of Charleston, who go to work everyday day benefiting the city and the community. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jonathon Kalik
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