Wright City Mayor Roy White cast the deciding vote in torpedoing an ordinance that would have prohibited the practice. The vote came at last week's Wright City Board of Aldermen meeting. Aldermen Jim Schuchmann and Angie Reynolds voted in favor of an amended ordinance, while Aldermen Jamey Abercrombie and Tom Black voted against it. "I didn't see any reason on why it should be changed," White said. The revision was brought up for the board's consideration at its March 26 meeting, but following a 4-0 vote to approve it, White announced he was vetoing it because he wanted to hear further discussion on the proposal. White cited four reasons why he opposed the amendment in a March 31 statement directed to City Clerk Christine Martin. He said he had no objections to the original ordinance but was concerned about the cost to change an ordinance. He also stated he was concerned residents would load and unload vehicles in front of their homes, and concluded there was no discussion by the board to merit a change. Schuchmann responded to each of White's points, noting that the board approved a motion to draft the amendment last month and that city attorney Darryl Hicks had already been paid for drafting the amendment. Schuchmann also said there was a state traffic ordinance making it illegal to park in the opposite direction that can be enforced by the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the city's police department, but that any money from the fine would be collected by the county. Wright City Police Chief Henry Matthews told the board he has been unaware of any problems with cars parked in the opposite direction, but did note a passer-by in an approaching vehicle could be blinded if the headlights were kept on. Agreeing with White, Abercrombie said there weren't too many complaints to the parking issue to warrant a change. Abercrombie also said the officers may spend too much time enforcing the parking ordinance rather than focusing on other areas, such as burglaries, drugs and drinking and driving. "My opinion is it's going to tie up their time," he said. "I understand it's a safety issue, but I don't think we have the manpower yet."