I am writing on behalf of the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues, whose mission is to promote the interests and enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities, by providing advice on disability issues to County Executive John R. Leopold and the County Council.
Six months ago, the county began imposing a $500 fine on persons who unlawfully park in spaces reserved for the disabled, or who block access to ramps and curb cuts,
On Feb. 10, an article ran in The (Annapolis) Capital newspaper entitled, "Handicapped parking fines slashed," reporting the lack of judicial enforcement of the fine.
When the judicial system reduces or waives the fine for individuals who disobey the law, the impression is given that individuals can continue to park illegally in the spaces and nothing but a slap on the wrist will result, so the infractions will continue.
Judges and offenders should understand that the goal of this law is to ensure necessary access for those members of the community who require it. These spaces are placed and sized to allow persons using wheelchairs and scooters to lower ramps to discharge these devices, so that the process can take place out of the flow of traffic; the spaces are also important to individuals who are unable to walk for long distances, see their way clearly, or hear traffic. In short, these spaces are for the safety of persons with disabilities, and are not merely a matter of convenience.
It is our hope that the judicial system will take this into consideration when presiding over cases where non-handicapped individuals park in designated handicap parking spaces, and that the police will continue to enforce this law.
Ginger Palmer Edgewater
The writer is vice chairwoman of the commission.
Examine abuses in travel expenses
Regarding the story "Travel request disputed" (The Sun, Feb. 27), it seems to me that reporter Phillip McGowan is making a mountain out of a molehill.
However, since he opened the issue, I believe that it matters not if the Anne Arundel County employee was seeking the travel expense information on her lunch hour or officially at the behest of County Executive John R. Leopold. What matters most is how much tax money was being spent by local delegates and senators last year on food, mileage and lodging.
It is extremely interesting to note ... the political opposition to the request from several Democrats led by the remark of Del. Ted Sophocleus that he "didn't buy that at all" when commenting on Leopold's assertion that he was not involved in seeking the information. Doesn't Mr. Sophocleus have more weighty problems to deal with than to protect his food perk?
The request apparently touched a raw nerve and probably one that should be examined for abuses.
Jerry Todd Linthicum
Group busy trying to acquire island
Having read David Zenlea's article about Dobbins Island (The Sun, Feb. 24), one might be left with the impression that the Magothy River Association had a June deadline to raise funds to buy Dobbins Island and has done little to pursue the purchase.
MRA was never aware of any deadline and never intended to raise funds to purchase the island itself. MRA has mounted a campaign to acquire the island for the public and has:
Notified several national conservation groups and local organizations; suggested that the island and anchorage be part of the Capt. John Smith historic water trail.
Organized a summer boat parade and rendezvous at Dobbins Island to draw attention to the importance of the island and the surrounding waters.
Instituted a petition drive, collecting over 400 signatures.
Formed a group, Friends of Dobbins Island, with a Web site, savedobbins.org.
Contacted government officials at the local, state and federal levels.
Presented the case for acquisition of the island for the public's use to the Anne Arundel County legislative delegation as recently as Feb. 8.
As our campaign appears closer to success than ever, Mr. Clickner now says he is unwilling to sell the island. MRA believes that this island should not be developed as it is entirely within the critical area buffer. ...
We hope that Mr. Clickner will reconsider his position and work with MRA and others to make this island and the surrounding waters an undeveloped and unimpeded resource for current and future generations of Marylanders.
Paul Spadaro
The writer is the president of the Magothy River Association.