In future months, we will debate our disagreements on the red-light camera program.
For this letter, I’ll focus on the areas where we can all agree.
• Red light camera programs have been controversial in many of the cities where they have been installed. We know that other cities have manipulated the signal timing to increase revenue (this has not happened in Redmond).
• Everyone agrees that the current council and mayor are truthful and sincere when they say that similar abuse of the program will not occur in Redmond and that excess funds are to be dedicated to traffic safety programs.
• However, this council’s promises only last until they leave office. Four votes from any future council members can erase, by ordinance, all of this council’s promises and best intentions. The first unfunded mouth-watering need that comes along could create that vote.
• Quoting the Redmond police spokesperson, “Collision data was not used as a basis for implementing this program … Our collision data in the city is not real significant. In fact, from 2008-2009 we had reduced reportable collisions significantly.”
• Yet, the council still opted for the maximum penalty under law, $124. Councilmen Hank Myers and Richard Cole said this fine is “too high.”
• Over $14,000 in tickets were issued per day in the first two weeks of the program. If that rate continues throughout the year, over $5 million in tickets will be issued. Subtract the vendor’s profit of $500,000 and fees paid to the court and the city is still poised to bring in millions in excess revenue during the first year of the program. Whether you think those millions are good or bad, by any measure they are significant.
• If the program is cancelled in 2011, the city will not incur termination fees. If it cancels in 2012, then it will pay about $100,000 in termination fees.
• Red light camera programs are often unpopular with a majority of the citizens.
• Well-informed people on both sides of this issue can make compelling arguments in their favor.
• Americans like to vote on issues that affect their community.
With all of the above being true, it is easy to agree that this is an issue worth debating. It is an issue important enough to put the matter to a vote.
We are gathering signatures to put the red-light camera program on the ballot in November. The citizenry will tell us through their vote whether they want this program or not.
For more information on how to sign the petition, volunteer, or donate please visit www.voters-decide.org.
Scott Harlan, Redmond
