Want to know why the city of Erie is in so much financial trouble?

One need only look at the recent mess involving its Traffic Court.

Erie Times-News reporter Ed Palattella has been following the situation and reported today that the amount of uncollected money from the court totals about $3.4 million.

That's money that should be divided between the city, state and Erie County.

Instead, it has stayed in the pockets of traffic scofflaws and, in at least one case, the pockets of a Traffic Court employee.

In other words, money that should have been used to fund the operations of three government entities has essentially vanished.

And you are left holding the bag -- again.