Taxing Visitors of Manassas Park

I wanted to warn other visitors to Manassas Park....make sure you don't visit too frequently or stay too long. Because Manassas Park Police have been directed, from what I've heard, to ticket cars they see frequently parked that do not have a decal. I can attest this is really happening. I stay with a friend several nights a week. However it is not my residence and my vehicle is not registered there. The ticket is very threatening, warning of jail, towing, and/or a fine of $250 to the owner and/or operator. Now mind you, the police officer has to run the tags of the vehicle to get the info to write the ticket. So the officer is aware, at least in my case, that the vehicle is registered (and taxed, and charged a decal fee) in a neighboring jurisdiction. But they write the ticket anyway. Why? Because when questioned, the "offender" will get the option of paying $25 for a decal on the spot, in lieu of any of the other more severe punishments they threatened. And if they don't buy a decal they will have a fine of $250. Why would they do this? Because Manassas Park is on the verge of bankruptcy and this is a big revenue maker. How many people will take off work to fight over $25 in court? When I went to the police station to question the ticket, there were 3 other people there also questioning theirs. They did not care that I didn't live there. They did not care my car was registered, taxed, etc. in another locality. You are given 3 choices: Buy the decal, pay the fine, or go to court. Period. And I know of another person it happened to just the other day. So it is happening a lot. And here is the kicker.....if Manassas Park is in such dire financial straits, perhaps they should not be paying a Lieutenant to do a meter maid job. Yes that is correct. A police dept. big wig is out writing parking tickets at 3 am. Be cautious, I feel sure the police can find many ways to generate revenue. Obey all driving laws to a T, and don't linger if you can help it! There is a dollar sign on your head!