Is this an unconstitutional infringement of economic liberty, the right for individuals to earn a living?

Question

I own a small taxicab business in West Des Moines, Iowa. The actual city of Des Moines will not permit me to pick up my customers there. ( two seperate cities) Des Moines itself only has one cab company ( disguised as 2 as to give the false perception of competition.) Unfortunatly Des Moines is where all the big hotels are located as well as the Airport & Greyhound. The city has a rediculous amount of rules and regulations pertaining to taxicabs. (over 35 pages) Starting with: I need to own at least 10 cabs, each cab has to be insured for 1.5 million each. (by the way New York; taxicab capitol of the world only requires $80,000 insurance policy per cab) I have to operate a 24/7 staffed facility. The local TV Media did a story on my situation. When they asked a few of the city council members why?, they actually said on film "Why shouldn't we protect our cab company from any competition?" Gary Fox, the traffic control member said on film " We have designed this to keep fly by night cab companies out of Des Moines." Well, I'm not a fly by night cab company!! Over 90% of my business comes from the telephone, 24 hours a day/ seven days a week. My cabs are new and my drivers and myself are english speaking/ hard working Americans. Is there any hope? I have done the research, many have stood infront of city council. None have tried fighting the city council in a court room. Des Moines has not had another taxicab company since the 1940's!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE HELP! This is an unconstitutional infringement of economic liberty, the right for individuals to earn an honest living without arbitrary government interference! Thanks, Aaron Dowell

I failed to mention: 8 0f the 10 cabs must be manned at all times.

Answer 1

Contact the ACLU. This sounds like their meat and potatoes.

Good Luck!

Doc

Answer 2

File a case in court for the approval of your cab company to operate in Des Moines.

Answer 3

Sounds like you should purchase enough vehicles to fufill the 10 vehicle requirement. The law doesnt require you to have them manned or be in running condition. Just that you own them. Then change your policy to a 1.5 million one.

If none of this sounds appealing. Then perhaps you should apply for a business loan to update your company to their requirements, then step everything up a notch and start working that area.