Merritt News

You'd think the City of Raleigh's parking-ticket appeals process would aim to fix mistakes and reimburse innocent motorists who have been forced to pay somebody else's tickets.

When Jean Merritt hears the term "Buy American" she can't think of a more appropriate purchase than some fresh wild-caught shrimp or oysters harvested from local waters.

State Auditor Beth Wood was chagrined Thursday when she had to pay off $245 in old parking tickets before the city of Raleigh would remove the heavy orange boot clamped to her car.