Firstly, let me preface this letter by saying I love Orange and all its people. I am from Sydney, but for years I have extolled the virtues of your town.
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In November 2017 my family once again spent four days in Orange to take part in a junior hockey tournament. I would estimate we have spent well over $4000 in Orange over several trips.
Perhaps then you might relate to my dismay when I returned to our car parked on the main street on a Saturday at 11.50am only to find that we had been booked.
I could have fired a cannon down the road and would have had trouble hitting parked cars. And if I'd spotted the parking officer, I may have fired one in his or her direction (fortunately, our gun laws make this impossible).
Is Orange so flush with funds that the shops on the main street need parking enforcement to discourage people from walking the streets to shop?
Yes, I should have read the sign, which was hidden behind a tree. Yes, my attention to detail was lacking. Yes, I am far from perfect (just ask my wife). Yes, I have done many things wrong in my life.
However, we were there in good faith. We were supporting a great regional NSW town, many of which have sadly disappeared.
I just think it was mean and petty and against the spirit of NSW fellowship between us city folk and the country.
The crazy thing is I actually feel hurt and somewhat rejected - a very similar feeling to when my year 6 girlfriend dumped me because of my gold-painted dragster.
Anyway, as I sit down now to pay this fine, I needed to vent my spleen.
I am not looking for answers. I know you have to have some kind of parking system. I am just looking for those Orange residents who might have some slight sympathy for a well-meaning idiot.
Thanks for reading my pathetic plea for understanding.