Intimidation

I have stood up in several instances to bullying, and the typical response is intimidation.  When the person who has power is confronted, the first thing they do is to weild that power against you.  

So I guess I wasn't surprised when I found that my 100$ fine for a few strands of long grass (literally a few foxtails that had sprung up....photo to follow) is now at 200$.  It literally makes me feel physically ill to think of how much money that is.  Especially for those who live in my neighborhood.  To pay 200$ is to not pay heat, electric, phone, food, rent.  These are not insignificant amounts of money.  And for what?  Because there were a few long pieces of grass in the yard?  How is this even a crime?

I had contacted the Department of Community Development and spoke to Deja Jenkins to request a rehearing, she told me there was nothing I could do, and that I would only be meeting with the same person anyway, (John "I have no life" Redlingshafer). Furthermore, had no idea how I could even do this (this shows you how many people even take the time to try to challenge these people). I pointed out that on their very document they sent for me to pay the fine, at the bottom it stated I could petition for a rehearing. I finally went above her head and spoke with the supervisor, Ashley Elias.  To his credit, he did return my call.  He practiced some reflective speech, or whatever it is called when you repeat back what someone says to you.  It actually did make me feel heard, but I don't think he heard me. 

I wound up getting an email back from Deja Jenkins saying that if I wanted to go through with the rehearing I had to send a 60$ rehearing fee, and sign a certain document.  I didn't do any of these things.  I was too tired.  I had made the decision I would try to fight the situation in another way.  So it was interesting that I received the letter that I was now to pay $200. That letter came quick!  They don't mess around when it comes to intimidation, which is what this is really all about.

John Redlingshafer and his buddy Matt Hayes must have horrible lives. I am pretty sure to get a job in code enforcement your training involves drowning kittens, or tripping old ladies as they cross the street. Who else would have the stomach to fine poor people hundreds of dollars for tall grass?  

When I had my first encounter with this dynamic dream team, fighting the high crimes taking place in the lawns of Peorians, I first noticed they were trolling my document that outlined my grievances. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW DOC
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y1llh7A4P9O5e9mpC23_EodAttrc7hhLJ98vy3YyTvk/edit?usp=sharing

Just looking at it again brings up all of the emotions. 

Back to the story...when I was preparing the document and what I would say during my hearing in Aug of 2022, I saw that there was someone watching, "Anonymous Raccoon" and so when we started the hearing, I could tell these boys had done their homework. I was cut off before I could show any of my images, and John "I have no life" Redlingshafer said, "Let me just ask you one thing," and being naive, not thinking I was getting set up, I allowed him to say his one thing, that was, "Did you have tall weeds outside in the alleyway?"  I answered that yes I did, and then he was like elated! It was his shining moment.  Now he concluded that I was in the wrong because of these tall weeds in the alleyway, and none of my evidence was relevant.  I was guilty, but because he was such a nice guy he would only charge me $50. I was so confused, I was cut off and did not have a chance to say anything in my defense.

But, hey wait, if that is his case, that all they were really concerned about were the weeds outside the gate, then why did he mow down my entire backyard?  Why mow down the blueberry bushes, why cut down our apple tree, our cucumber plants, tomatoes, herbs galore... and why even come in the yard at all?  No, they had done their homework and didn't want me to show how wrong and dishonest they had been.

I believe we are in the era of exposing corruption, and as much as I would like to just leave it all alone and move on with my life, I am compelled to act.  I can advocate where others cannot.  I actually have had multiple scenarios where I was pushed to expose injustice, and in those cases major changes happened.  So I guess I can feel a sense of hope in taking these action.  I do not need to fear.  I know this is the right thing to do.  I know I am doing this, not for myself, but with the hope of impacting the way things are done.  My hope is that these fines can be reduced to something manageable for our residents.  I would like to see them come down to something more like `15$ instead of 100$.

I don't believe that people should be allowed to be completely negligent about their properties, but what constitutes a weed, and what constitutes beauty is a matter of opinion.  Should the government be allowed to call edible foragable plants weeds, fine people, poison people's yards, and cut down their plants?  Absolutely NOT!  Our yards and all of the plants therein should be considered our personal property.  What I have to say is, Joe Dulin, stay off my property!