Readers
Parking fine amounts to highway robbery
I grew up in Tucson, but have not lived here since 1992. I have always enjoyed coming home, especially to escape the long and brutal Chicago winters.
My husband, sons and I are in Tucson for spring break and have been exploring favorite places. We were fortunate to time this trip during the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, a wonderful event my sons and husband had never experienced.
The fair was everything I remembered it to be and more. I especially enjoyed the fresh, local tamales, Southwestern arts and crafts, and people-watching. There’s one thing I certainly didn’t enjoy: a parking ticket for $175.
We thought we were lucky to find one spot on a street full of parked cars, so we grabbed it. It wasn’t until we came back to our car hours later and found the ticket that we realized a “No Parking” sign was 10 cars down from us.
I accept responsibility for the ticket, as we were parked in a no parking zone, no matter how poorly marked. But $175?
We’ve lived in Manhattan and paid $35 to $65 for parking fines, and in Chicago we usually pay $25. Why is Tucson charging $175?
These are tough times for all of us, and I am much less inclined to spend my hard-earned disposable income in Tucson shops, restaurants and attractions now that I’ve got this enormous parking fine looming over my head.
Marie DeLean
Winnetka, Ill.
Emphasis was learning – now, it’s on earning
While it is nice to see Arizona in the “win” column, let’s not forget that the purpose of the university is to teach. It is not to serve as a farm club for the NBA and NFL.
Let’s return to the days of the student-athlete, when one was a student first and an athlete second. We seem to have gotten this turned around. It is now athlete first and foremost with the student only a second-class afterthought.
No longer do we play for the sheer joy of playing. Now we spend our time trying to impress the pro scouts. It is a me, me, me situation.
How far we have fallen!
J. R. TODD
Thankful of events, opportunities provided
I’m writing this letter with a heavy heart. I thought not writing would let the Citizen stay, but then I realized the foolishness of my wishful thinking.
This paper for years meant giving – such as going to Canyon Ranch for a week free because of health and not being rich. Beautiful! Thanks to Mel and Enid Zuckerman, I’m still here.
We won, at Botanical Gardens, first place in home owners’ xeriscape with the city Water Department eight years ago, and I live in old Pascua Village, so it’s really a miracle.
I won with the Tohono Chul Park two years ago for the yard that attracts the most birds.
All of these bountiful gifts came as a result of reading the Citizen, which reported about these events and opportunities.
The Citizen always gave us more than reading, and may God bless all the people there with good karma, because this is what they gave to us.
HENRIETTA WOMACK
Attributes that made upstanding Citizen
The Citizen has been in my home since my family moved to Tucson from New York in 1953. My son delivered the paper for years in the late ’70s and early ’80s and bought his first truck at age 16 from his earnings.
The Citizen has done an outstanding job of featuring a balance of articles from liberal and conservative viewpoints and from the fulcrum of those of us in the middle. This is what makes our country so special – that we can express our beliefs openly and freely in this publication without any greater fear than being disagreed with.
I say shame on those writing in to kick a dying old pet for not going completely in favor of one political party.
I always look forward to disagreeing with some of Linda Chavez’s concepts of what others are thinking and must do. I also look for her weekly “thesaurus” big words that challenge my vocabulary knowledge.
I also like to disagree with Cal Thomas’ restrictive (to me) opinions, but I do agree with his view on the auto industry bailout. And I found his recollection of vintage autos fascinating.
Chuck Graham is my favorite writer. Whether it’s music, movies or just because I know I will be taken on a magical, poetic verbal voyage away from Mundo Mundane and into an imagination-inspiring place where the mind can run free like a puppy in a park without leashes.
I love the wonderful debate column, Woman to Woman, from the left and from the right. These two writers deal with any topic they’re given with integrity and intelligence.
Judy Carlock gives a poignant left-turn signal, and Ryn Gargulinski goes so far out that you may fear never finding your way back. They both write to delight.
All these folks at the Citizen, though they don’t know me, are like a surrogate family to me for being in my life every day. I can’t believe it will all be gone.
And what are we all going to do without the cartoon pages? The stories, some going on my whole lifetime, being cut forever is devastating. No more Prince Valiant, Buckles, Luann, Brenda, Rex and Over the Hedge with dear Hammy the Squirrel to make me laugh.
Well, maybe if I wish upon a star, that won’t let its sibling Citizen go? Thanks for all the good years.
KATHY DUNCAN