Letter To The Editor – Feeling Gouged By The Authorities

Dear Editor:
On January 21, 2010, I received a non-moving violation (ticket) for failure to use my turn signal. I was at a “T” intersection (on the lower part of the T). No traffic was coming from the right or left. By the time I was pulled over (est. 400′ from the intersection), I couldn’t remember if I had used my turn signal or not.
I received my fine for a turn signal offense, $135. The fine was – $50 for the Village of Hoosick Falls and a State surcharge of $85. The State just can’t stop spending, so the surcharge amounts keep going up.
To me, a $135 ticket for a non-moving violation is ridiculous. I can understand a ticket for speeding or not stopping at a stop sign but for not using a turn signal when other cars were not present?
I’ve also learned that Hoosick Falls Police Department has two full time officers plus a Chief and fourteen, that’s right, fourteen part time officers. If the Village of Hoosick Falls is so strapped for cash, maybe they should cut their part time help in half! It seems a bit much to have that many officers for a small village like Hoosick Falls.
I’m pretty sure that the main job of the part time officers is to handout traffic tickets.
One more thing to think about – a single parent with two children, working at a low paying job is going to have a difficult time paying a $135 fine. A minor violation ticket might mean the difference between breakfast cereal or meat and vegetables for dinner.
Think about it Hoosick Falls – your Police Department is a little out of control writing tickets. The times are hard and most of us need every dollar we earn. If you didn’t have so many Police Officers – you wouldn’t need as much ticket generated revenue.
Kate M. Wiggans
Phillips Road, Petersburgh