VIEW: 18-11: Local Unfair Laws

VIEW FROM HERE
By Bob McDowell (Born Neil Carson) Number 18-11
LOCAL UNFAIR LAWS Week of 2018/03/12
It seems that unfair laws and/or interpretation of them is not limited to the
Federal Government and its bureaucracy, as evidenced by some recent incidents right
here in the City of Tulsa. An example of this came to my attention on February 26
when called upon to drive a recipient of a ticket for 'speeding in a school zone' to the
City Court building for an appearance. Not having permission to show name, that
and gender shall remain undisclosed. The ticket was 'computer printed' and showed
the time as 11:36, the date as 02/12/18, and the location as 6700 S. Mingo, which is
the location of a zone for Union High School.
This zone is, like most in the area, marked by signs with flashing yellow lights at
the beginning which state that 'when flashing speed limit is 25'. This is a good way to
do it, instead of the way it used to be done that the zone was effective at all times.
There is also a sign indicating the end of the zone. It seems to me that the time shown
would not be one where the zone was needed. Also, since the zone is at least one
quarter of a mile long it would be possible for a person to already be in the zone, past
the sign, when it was activated. In my opinion, common sense would dictate that
autos already in the zone would be 'grand fathered' and exempt if proceeding to exit
timely. Ah, but on contacting a person in the court clerks office by telephone, the
information was imparted to me, rather briskly, that "it doesn't matter the driver is still
guilty".
That being the 'official' stance it appears to me that the City of Tulsa, or the
Police Department, is running a 'speed trap' in order to gain more revenue, such as
was done by small towns on highways in past decades, until stopped by the State
Governor a few years ago. There is one school zone, Thereau Learning Academy, on
71st Street South west of Memorial and at least 0ne third of a mile in length, where
there is a second school zone sign in the middle, also with flashing lights, to note to
drivers that the zone has been activated. Amazing common sense and civil courtesy.
It was noticed by me after being told of the ticket at Union H.S. by the driver involved.
On arrival at the court house block it was found that the $5.00 covered parking
area was completely devoid of signs indicating directions to the various buildings.
Counselors take notice. At the court rooms floor it was found that my passenger's
name was NOT on the docket for the court assigned at the 8:30 time. Clerk staff
members promised to get it added, since that was the time on the ticket, but did not
accomplish the task until after 9:00. They had been advised that I had a medical
procedure appointment at 10:30 in Jenks, so I called them to have my appointment
postponed to later in the day.
While observing the court proceedings, it was a pleasant surprise to see and
hear the demeanor and efficiency of the Judge, whose name I did not learn. He was
patient with those appearing, for various offenses, and even questioned each if he/she
was able to pay all or only part at that time. He treated each one with courtesy and
dignity, something not seen by me in a number of courtrooms as juror or expert
witness in the past. He was District III is all I know.
The lesson learned from this experience is that where a school zone is of a
length longer than one block, there should be another sign in the middle, or that once
in the zone when the sign was not flashing the vehicle should be able to finish the
journey legally. Also, it has been noticed that sometimes these signs are flashing at
times when it is obvious that school is NOT in session. In such cases the school
should be held accountable and subject to penalties. If that was the case, the staff
might be more attentive to their signs.
That is mentioned to alert members of the Legislature that some legislation
might be appropriate to rectify such problems. Are you paying attention elected
officials??
All in all, the individuals working in the court building were considerate and
helpful despite their own work load. In fact, on leaving the men serving as contract
security guards even made it a point to thank me for my military service, in WW II,
and one indicated he would try to attend one of our meetings. Such conduct and
consideration is a welcome change from the treatment sometimes received by
employees of government, at all levels, in decades past. Along that line, those
assisting legislative members have been found to be most friendly and helpful when
contacted. I go to them first, since members are supposed to be part time and have
their own businesses or employment outside of elective office. They seem to get things done!!!
One more thing. This completes ten years of these efforts I don't know how much longer.
END
Composed March 2, 2018
Robert W. McDowell, Jr. © 2018 841 Lynwood Lane
918-451-1051 Broken Arrow OK 74011-8608
Email: abdmcfpi@localnet.com