My mother had forgotten to put her handicap permit in the window of her vehicle. She has been handicapped and had a permit for it for 5 years). She immediately went to the City Parking Division to show her parking permit. They wanted to charge her $132 for being in the spot without pass, even after she showed them her up-to-date permit. They still would not drop this parking ticket. She had to fill out a protest letter to see if the city would dismiss the ticket.

My mom lives on a fixed income like so many her age. She was later found to be guilty and charged $25 for not remembering to put the permit in the window. The city wrote us and told us the fee would be reduced, but this time only.

I find it very disturbing and it really bothers me that the city of Durango would uphold such a citation when this person is handicapped and has a valid Colorado handicap permit. This is absurd and extremely disrespectful for those that are elderly and disabled. Does the city really need that $25? How does the city feel taking this money from someone on Social Security when it has proof that my mother is disabled?

The city knew she had the right to park there legally! We have paid the fine for this outrageous incident and vowed to never shop in Durango again. We have lived here for 40 years.

Andrew Powell

Ignacio