SLCurran
05-15-2006, 10:17 AM
:x
In December of 2005, I wrote out a check for $175.00 to the Village of Rockville Centre to renew my non-resident parking permit for the tenth time. That not so insignificant amount of money entitled me to one of six spots "reasonably" close to the LIRR station.
In the last week of March 2006, I received a letter from Ron Wasson, the Village Administrator, informing me that beginning April, I was to park my car elsewhere, between N. Forest Ave. and Long Beach Road. Isn’t this what we call a “bait and switch” offer?
I called to complain that I had not agreed to park in that location and I was shocked that the Village of RVC would employ deceptive practices while taking my money and offering me no recourse. Mr. Wasson said he understood my frustration, but the best he could do was offer me a prorated refund for the remaining ¾ of the year. I wasn’t happy, but at least the refund was fair.
I dutifully submitted my parking sticker to the cashier’s office and was told to expect my refund check in the mail. Instead of the promised $131.25, I received a 50% refund with the 75% clearly crossed off my receipt as if to say “fooled you.” Apparently, Mr. Wasson could once again say one thing and do another.
After placing a relentless number of calls, I finally heard from Mr. Wasson. His response was that he didn’t owe me an explanation for not honoring his promise -- period.
I was flabbergasted! How could a Village Administrator be so dishonorable and arrogant at the same time? I called Mayor Eugene J. Murray hoping that he would see the unfairness of this situation, and to my utter amazement, after promising to look into the legality of this matter with the village attorney; I did not even get a return call. I followed-up with a letter. Still no answer. Bureaucratic inertia at it’s finest.
So Mr. Wasson, you and the mayor get to keep my money. Perhaps you’ll use it to better disclose your parking policies, but more than likely not. At least I feel proud that I fought a brave battle for the principle of fairness and decency. You on the other hand chose to break your promise and dishonor your word for $43.75. What does that say about you?
Sylvia L Curran
RVC, New York
In December of 2005, I wrote out a check for $175.00 to the Village of Rockville Centre to renew my non-resident parking permit for the tenth time. That not so insignificant amount of money entitled me to one of six spots "reasonably" close to the LIRR station.
In the last week of March 2006, I received a letter from Ron Wasson, the Village Administrator, informing me that beginning April, I was to park my car elsewhere, between N. Forest Ave. and Long Beach Road. Isn’t this what we call a “bait and switch” offer?
I called to complain that I had not agreed to park in that location and I was shocked that the Village of RVC would employ deceptive practices while taking my money and offering me no recourse. Mr. Wasson said he understood my frustration, but the best he could do was offer me a prorated refund for the remaining ¾ of the year. I wasn’t happy, but at least the refund was fair.
I dutifully submitted my parking sticker to the cashier’s office and was told to expect my refund check in the mail. Instead of the promised $131.25, I received a 50% refund with the 75% clearly crossed off my receipt as if to say “fooled you.” Apparently, Mr. Wasson could once again say one thing and do another.
After placing a relentless number of calls, I finally heard from Mr. Wasson. His response was that he didn’t owe me an explanation for not honoring his promise -- period.
I was flabbergasted! How could a Village Administrator be so dishonorable and arrogant at the same time? I called Mayor Eugene J. Murray hoping that he would see the unfairness of this situation, and to my utter amazement, after promising to look into the legality of this matter with the village attorney; I did not even get a return call. I followed-up with a letter. Still no answer. Bureaucratic inertia at it’s finest.
So Mr. Wasson, you and the mayor get to keep my money. Perhaps you’ll use it to better disclose your parking policies, but more than likely not. At least I feel proud that I fought a brave battle for the principle of fairness and decency. You on the other hand chose to break your promise and dishonor your word for $43.75. What does that say about you?
Sylvia L Curran
RVC, New York