Ratting out neighbors
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In "Salt Lake City may tweak sidewalk snow ordinance" (Tribune, Jan. 29), the most important point was missed: The city issues fines to residents for not shoveling their sidewalks based solely on anonymous tips, without sending anybody out to confirm the alleged violations.
If someone is accused of something in this country, a person is considered not guilty until guilt is proven. An anonymous tip is not proof of anything.
You could always go to court. But who can afford the expense and time to recover $50? This is a form of extortion — pay the fine, or go to court and lose even more.
Everybody who has been victimized by this racket deserves their money back, with an apology.
Robert Argenbright
Salt Lake City