You have the right to face your accuser only for felonies and gross misdemeanors. This would happen only if you were arrested. Parking tickets in most places are considered civil penalties and do not go against your driving or arrest record. All that was required at your hearing was someone representing the party that issued the ticket, usually someone fresh out of law school working for the DA's office. Unless your someone that gets parking tickets on a regular basis and may face more serious charges because of it, just pay the ticket and park legally next time.