In regard to the Jan. 11 front page article about the problems facing Main Street Jackson, I have been shopping in downtown Jackson for years. In those years, I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on everything from antiques, guitars, coins, Indian artifacts, art, jewelry, etc. I chose to spend my money locally to help the economy of the county in which I live.
But I have recently stopped my visits and spending in Jackson because of the Jackson Police Department's over enforcement.
A few months ago, after my gym therapy, I stopped on Main Street to purchase a book. When I got back to my truck, another car had parked me in. I looked my truck over, got in to head home and then a meter maid was knocking on my window accusing me of being drunk.
Seeing me stumble, he implied that I had just come out of the bar. I told him I just left the jewelry store where I had bought a book. I went on to tell him that I recently had my knee operated on and that both were so bad I don't walk very well. I explained that I don't drink because I'm a diabetic. He ordered me to the sidewalk for a sobriety test, after which he called two other patrol men and an ambulance.
It was a very intimidating situation to be in, as well as embarrassing, as there were many people gawking as they drove by on Main Street. The ambulance personnel checked me out - my blood sugar and heart rate were good - and told the officers I was OK. Despite being cleared by the EMT, one of the officers wrote me up to be reexamined within five days in Sacramento at the Department of Motor Vehicles under sections 12818, 12819, 2100-23336 of the California Vehicle Code. It cost me more than $2,000 in legal fees, doctor's bills, travel time and seven weeks without a driver's license to prove I was OK to drive.
That is why I stay away from Jackson Main Street. I tried talking to the Jackson police chief, who would not take my calls or see me. A DMV employee said the law is called the Brandi Metlock law, 12806(c) of the vehicle code, and it is a fairly new law that allows the DMV to re-evaluate the elderly and others that should not be driving. The trouble is it is a blanket law, meaning anybody, any time can turn you in for anything (or nothing), and it can cost you your job, your home, your health, etc.
There are people who will abuse this law, as the Jackson police officer did. It has been said this officer laughs and brags about how he writes people up for this and how inconvenient it is for people since they have to go to Sacramento within five days.
This law needs to be fixed with strict guidelines or this officer and others like him will abuse it. I guess there is just not enough real crime for our small town peace officers. Remember, I wasn't even driving. Shouldn't my driver's license be judged on my driving skills, not on my walking ability or disability? If Jackson wants to revitalize to get shoppers back, they should start by getting rid of the meters and the maids.