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Shoutout to Roberto!

A few months after a 5 night stay in Montepulciano, I received 4 separate violation notices for driving into the town's ZTL, where our apartment was located. The landlord had assured me -- both when I arrived and again before I left -- that he had made the proper arrangements authorizing me to drive into the ZTL. But unbeknownst to anyone at the time, for some reason, my car's license plate hadn't been added to the "white list" of authorized vehicles. So each time I drove back into town after a day of site-seeing, the ZTL robot silently recorded another "violation".

Staring down the barrel of over €400 in fines, with neither the landlord nor the officer whose name was on the ticket showing any interest in engaging to help solve the problem, I reached out to Roberto. He kindly pointed me to some information and contacts that helped me break the logjam and finally bring this matter to the attention of the proper authorities.

Fast forward to this morning, I just received confirmation (in writing!) from the local police that the matter has been dropped. Thank you Roberto so much for your response when I was at my wit's end. You represent everything that's good about this Forum community!

Posted by
893 posts

That is great! We are all so lucky to have people "in the know" who are on this Forum.

I know that I have learned a lot from Roberto's replies, along with other posters from the local country.

Thanks to you all,
Mimi

Posted by
7175 posts

The two best things about Roberto are his knowledge of all things Italian and his wicked sense of humor. He is much appreciated on the forum.

Posted by
771 posts

If there was a "Like" button, I would "Like" the initial comment and the replies! Roberto has taught us much, with great humor.

Posted by
34208 posts

That's a good thing. Well done, Roberto. Your mother would be proud of you.

Posted by
17578 posts

Unfortunately he is not a “natural born” citizen and we all know how that goes ...

Posted by
9436 posts

Roberto is wonderful and so helpful, i always enjoy his posts and great info.

I just wanna know when you’re coming to one of our travel mtgs in Larkspur again Roberto, we’ll always have a seat for you.

Posted by
16193 posts

Hubie:
I remember your plight. But it's not me you need to thank, but probably the guy I gave you the name of, Mr. Luca Batignani (Montepulciano's chief of Municipal police).

I got the hold of Mr. Batignani's resume online, and he had some interesting employment history.
He has a degree in accountancy but among his accomplishments are:
- Pilot of Heavy Tanks in the Italian Army
- Member of the Musical Orchestra of the Italian Army
- Wine Maker and Sommelier
- Chef de cuisine (cook) of the City of Montepulciano.
- Schoolbus driver
- Police Officer
- Deputy Chief of Police
- Chief of Police
Recently he even graduate from Law School at the University of Siena and was also appointed Knight of the Italian Republic by the President of Italy.

But apparently, and most importantly, his greatest accomplishment, was to clear the mess with your ZTL fines, all in the name of the hospitable people of Montepulciano.

I'm glad you had that one sorted out.

Posted by
7175 posts

Thanks for posting that info Roberto. Mr. Batignani seems like a real modern renaissance man.

Posted by
4130 posts

Wow, and the Italian Renaissance men live on. Good job, Roberto, finding such a well rounded, helpful individual.

Posted by
16193 posts

I can't run for US President, since I am not a natural born citizen of the US.

I'm thinking of running for Member of the Italian Parliament at the next Italian elections, as a representative of the North & Central America district.

The Italian Parliament, maybe uniquely in the world, has overseas parliament districts representing Italians living abroad. 2 House Reps and 1 Senator in the Italian Parliament represent Italians living in North and Central America.

All three members of parliament from North America are women. Here they are:
http://www.wetheitalians.com/interviews/two-flags-three-hearts-meet-francesca-alderisi-francesca-la-marca-and-fucsia-nissoli