Loud car stereos

We read the Tribune editorial comment of a year ago concerning the "booming stereo" ordinance in which you gave the opinion that this would not put a stop to this noise pollution, and now we read again the Tribune doesn't think it helped that much, and you again state that the citizens of Hastings must "grin and bear it" when we are victims of those who continue to commit this offensive act.

We disagree that we have to sit passively by and allow these selfish, inconsiderate individuals to knowingly disturb our lives. We take issue with your view that this is such a minor offense the police would be better utilized taking care of other problems. When this offense is perpetrated to the point of aggravation that in a few instances the victims have threatened the offender with a gun, we feel this shows indication of a serious issue.

Not all have the same level of tolerance to this kind of irritation, as a person's age, state of illness, or even just inherited nervous system makeup are determining factors, not just a matter of choice.

Also the circumstances of the disturbance varies, so we have to put ourselves in another's shoes before making judgment: try living next door to a high school student who comes and goes several times daily, from morning to late night hours, with his car stereo booming and blasting. Then try talking to him, then report it to the police who talk to him only to have the volume and frequency of the blasting increase; then see how long you wish to sit by and allow him to deliberately disturb your life.

Or try to enjoy an evening Easter service in a church on Burlington, only to have a stereo-blasting cruiser destroy the service and all the thoughtful planning that went into it.

Anytime an individual is allowed to knowingly break a law and commit an offense against others, we feel it is an encouragement to further lawlessness. We can take action instead of sitting passively by, allowing the offenders free rein. We can report the license number of the vehicle to the police and let them know the location this person frequents. I rest assured that the police will not place it in importance ahead of a life and death emergency, but will attend to it. In the case of an offender who plays cat and mouse games, thinking they have to be "caught in the act," citizens can file a written complaint with the police department for disturbance of the peace, and a citation will be issued which carries a penalty of up to $500 fine and three months in jail.

We have noticed a great improvement in Hastings and we intend to do what we can to continue this trend, and we know many others join in gratitude to the City Council and the police department for taking the steps to make this possible.

John and Robin Stitt
Hastings
Printed August 24, 2000