Suck it, Berkeley

About a month ago, an uppity Berkeley cop gave me a ticket for parking in a bus stop. I needed to run to an ATM in downtown, and so I pulled the car as far forward in the stop (easily big enough for two buses) as possible, put on my hazards, and ran to the ATM. I was there no longer than five minutes, during which time I only saw one bus come and go. It seemingly had no problem with my car.

When I came back to the car, I saw that the cop had pulled up behind the car. He got out as I approached and saw me, asked if it was my car, and, without saying another word or asking for an explanation, he handed me a citation and got back in his car.

So I sent a letter a few days later requesting administrative review, as the fine was exorbitant ($250). But, as it’s now been three weeks since I sent my request, I thought I’d check in with them today.

They had no record of having received my letter. ARGH!?! AND, they claim to have sent me a late notice more than a week ago, which I haven’t received.
Why is that these bureaucratic institutions are always the worst with paperwork, administration, and dealing with the public? I mean, all those things are inherent in the job. You’d think they’d be pros at it by now.