More Meter Heartache

This was a ridiculously bad deal:

• A taxpayer watchdog group filed suit today, alleging the city's much-criticized deal that put Chicago's parking meters in the hands of a private firm still relies on police -- and public dollars -- for enforcement.
• In their lawsuit, the Independent Voters of Illinois along with Chicago resident Aviva Patt charge the parking meter privatization deal "unconstitutionally obligates the city to expend public funds in order to police, enforce and maintain the privately held and privately controlled parking meter system" -- a violation of the Illinois Constitution which states "public funds, property or credit shall only be used for public purposes." Earlier this year, the city leased some 36,000 meters to Chicago Parking Meters LLC for $1.15 billion for 75 years -- a move drawing the ire of motorists who are seeing a steep climb in rates.

This lawsuit will take years to wend through the system. And when it does, it's pass through the hands of a lot of people who owe their very existence to Shortshanks. But eventually, it may find an honest judge (or at least as honest as a judge can be) who will decide the case on its merits and actually find in favor of Chicago taxpayers.

All three of them that are left.