Drivers who observe the laws won't receive a citation

As an ex-New Jersey state trooper, I feel compelled to respond to Kyle Jorrey's article, "License and Registration, Please" (March 9). Jorrey outlines the story of a person named Mary (last name withheld at her request) and her encounters with officers of the Lost Hills Sheriff's Department. As the article states, "she just wants answers," and I feel I am in a position to give her those answers.

First of all, her statement, "I admit, I'm not perfect. But I try my best to obey the law," deserves a citation in itself and implies guilt for the four violations for which she was cited: speeding twice at 50 mph in a 35 mph zone, running a stop sign and failing to stop for a right turn on red.

Mary feels she is being punished for living, working and breathing in this beautiful community. No, Mary. The community is being punished every time you get behind the wheel.

You're not the target, we are.

I cannot believe the number of people who believe the traffic laws simply do not apply to them and, when cited, feel cheated and humiliated. Yet someone comes along and throws a piece of paper on their front lawn, and they will be the first to dial 911.

To Capt. Tom Martin and Lt. Steve Smith of the Lost Hills Sheriff 's Department, please keep those citations coming to protect us from the Marys of our community. Michael Mataraza Oak Park