Tourist will spend money elsewhere

To the editor:

My family and I traveled through your city on our way to St. Louis on Aug. 29. We had a great vacation and plan to do it next summer and most likely many more summers in the future.

But then on Sept. 2, I received a 'Notice of Violation” letter from your police department that said I was speeding and fined me $75. I promptly replied and explained that there must have been some mistake, but on Nov. 24 I received another letter telling me: 'Evidence viewed and found liable by hearing officer.” I'll pay the $75 fine and your police officers can continue to sit in courtrooms and 'review evidence.”

I'll probably be more aware of the speed limit the next time we pass through, but I also wanted you to know that there is no way I am ever going to spend another penny in your town. I drive a Cadillac Escalade that can cost more than $75 to fill and when we eat out as a family we can easily spend more than $75 on a meal, but we will not be spending any money in Cedar Rapids.

So, when you see the reports about how much city income your speed cameras are bringing in, don't forget to subtract all the losses of revenue from tourists passing through who no longer have any good will for your city.

Arlin Bornschlegl

Rochester, Minn.