A justice of the peace in Texas used her dead mother's name to get a parking permit for the disabled. (For you "handicapped people" out there, that's what we thoughtful journalists are calling you now. "Disabled." Isn't language wonderful?)
The question for the Harris County district attorney is whether the judge broke the law.
Judge Betty Brock Bell, 55, points out that she used her own initials (BBB, if you must know) beside her mother's name on the document. She says there's a perfectly good explanation for her acquiring the permit.
"I did not get [the parking permit] for my personal use — I have a legal reason for getting it that will eventually come out," she has been quoted as saying by the Houston Chronicle.
We interpret the statement to mean that eventually she will use the permit but will maintain a professional relationship with it. No gift exchange for Christmas. No after-work drinks.
Strictly impersonal.

Posted at November 18, 2004 11:40 AM