Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 29, 1994 TAG: 9403290152
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
For 13 years, Roanoke Chief Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Betty Jo Anthony has made a living enforcing the rules.
Last year, she led all other city residents in violating one of them.
Anthony was cited 95 times in 1993 for overtime parking just a few feet from the courthouse steps.
``I feel I'm no better or worse than any other citizen,'' she said. ``If they came to court, perhaps that would be embarrassing. I pay them.''
Anthony makes no excuses for her actions.
``I don't believe in playing games,'' she said. ``It's a poor use of my personal resources.''
How poor? How about $675 worth of fines and late penalties.
Anthony has learned the hard way that haste definitely means waste, particularly in the 30-minute parking zones in the 300 block of Church Avenue Southwest.
``Usually, I park there if I'm running late,'' she said. ``I plan to move after I cover my first obligation of the day.''
Those plans often go awry if she gets delayed in court. Then when she walks to her car, she often sees a pink ticket on her windshield.
She said her other choice is to park several blocks away in a parking garage, and be late for court.
She said she, like any other citizens, sometimes feels pressured by time constraints created by a mix of professional responsibilities and family life.
Last year, she said she had to drive her daughter to school in the morning. Now, her daughter drives herself.
Again, she says, that's no excuse for being the city's chief rogue parker.
``All working people have these obligations,'' she admits. ``I truly believe no one is above the law.''
by CNB