Shaker Chamber President Creates Petition Against Red-Light Cameras
The petition on change.org says cameras would lead to increased fees and an additional financial strain on residents
As the debate regarding red-light and speeding cameras in the city heats up, one community voice has taken her opposition online.
Shaker Heights Chamber of Commerce President Debra Hegler created a petition shortly after city officials said they were considering installing violation cameras at major intersections throughout the city.
Both in person and online, Hegler has told officials that she views the installation of cameras as nothing more than an attempt to bring in more revenue. The petition on www.change.org can be viewed here.
"My opinion is that it's written as part of the (2013) budget because it is a revenue issue, not a safety issue," Hegler said Monday night at a city council meeting.
"I strongly suggest that the city reconsider this avenue that we're headed down ... This is an issue that should be on a ballot to let the community decide if this is something that they want to do."
Hegler said the lights have "always been a revenue issue" in communities that use them. She also worries that the third-party company that the city would choose to operate the cameras would shorten lights as a tactic to produce more ticket money.
Shaker Heights Mayor Earl Leiken said the lights are being discussed mostly to preserve safety on the city's roads. He referenced the recent death of 25-year-old Shaker Heights native Brian Horwich and repeated complaints about speedy morning commuters as proof that a change is needed in the city.
Hegler's petition, addressed to Leiken and the city council members, has just 19 signatures so far. She hopes to reach 100.
RJ
7:10 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
The audacity of the effete snobs at City Hall is seen by the tactics and false information they used in conning us into voting for a larger income tax increase than needed. Their flagrant mis-use of our hard earned dollars (in other terms labor), such as the latest folly the of the plan to impede traffic and thus increase pollution on Lee Rd, their funding of a new art gallery (shortly after the income tax vote) shows their arrogance. As someone told a person who wanted to do some improvements to their property was told by someone on the board "you are only the present care taker of the property and not the owner". A one way ticket to N. Korea is in order for some of these people with this totalitarian mind set.
Elmer Evans
10:15 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
This is a revenue grab, plain and simple.
Leiken's attempt to use the death of young Brian Horwich is beyond cyncial as the intersection he was killed at is NOT A LIGHTED STOP!
AM
12:53 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
I can't believe residents are reacting so strongly to cameras, when the only people affected will be those breaking the law. On the other hand, very few voiced their opposition to an income tax hike which ultimately hurts hard working wage earners, housing and economic development in a very negative way. I would much rather see traffic cameras and a repeal of the .5% income tax increase.
Elmer Evans
1:56 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Agreed. But the preponderance of light and speed cameras brings with it other issues as well. Refer to the story from the National Journal about yellow light dwell times being shortened in a number of cities, the corresponding increase in both accidents (rear-endings) and ticket revenues:
http://www.nationaljournal.com/domesticpolicy/dreaded-yellow-light-may-be-trap-for-traffic-violations-20121121
All started under the guise of "safety".
Barbara Ekelman
7:30 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Red light cameras? What a joke. We all are sitting at red lights most of the time because the lights are timed to go red whenever a car is near. The city should spend their time working on traffic flow not cameras that will never go off because none of us can move forward anywhere with the poor pathetic timing of the lights in this town. It is an outrage.
Rose
10:24 am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
These red Iight cameras are ultimately used as an income resource disguised as a safety measure. I understand that we are facing tough economic times, but must we mirror the cities of Cleveland and East Cleveland? Are we that desperate for revenue?