Comments for Council eyes Redflex referendum at http://www.theind.com , comment 1 to 6 out of 6 comments http://www.theind.com Sun, 19 May 2013 21:42:08 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/10745-council-eyes-redflex-referendum#comment-26910 Simon Mahan says -'Here's the problem with a council sending a decision to a popular vote whenever they want - it allows them to avoid making decisions. If the council only exists as a mechanism to pass the buck on everything to us citizens, there is no need for a council, nor a representative democracy.'- One problem with this and many other political issues, is the selection of candidates we, the public, are presented with. Unfortunately, all too often, the best candidates aren't much interested in running for political office, so, we, who vote for our representatives, vote for the lesser of two evils, therefore, we get the crap we get, and sometimes ask for a public vote on something we, the majority, don't like about decisions made by our elected officials. Whatta ya gonna do! - Dudley E. LaBauve, III Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:45:49 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/10745-council-eyes-redflex-referendum#comment-26904 What an intesting concept, let the voter's decide. - Robert Ellender Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:13:55 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/10745-council-eyes-redflex-referendum#comment-26899 So, can anyone tell me why the public should not vote on this issue. This has smelled from the very beginning. Let us vote and then let the chips fall where they may. What's so complicated about DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Michael A. Moss Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:28:36 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/10745-council-eyes-redflex-referendum#comment-26898 Having Redflex study the "speeding problem" and the "red light running problem" is like asking the fox to "study" the reactions of the hens to the nightly visits where a lot of the hens get mauled and eaten. You are NOT likely to get reliable research. The answer is terribly simple. Hold the vote as an advisory one to avoid legal hassles, but then FOLLOW the results and do what the voters want. Cameras have lost 23 of 24 votes, so the outcome is likely to be to end the use of cameras. This procedure would mean the officials actually respect the will of their constituents - what a novel idea. Then, if the Parish still has a "red light running problem" or a "speeding problem", use correct engineering to fix the issues and improve safety. Set the posted speed limits at the 85th percentile speed of free flowing traffic for the safest and smoothest traffic flow with the fewest accidents. (It is likely most posted limits are set below this safest level.) Then time the yellow intervals on the lights for these ACTUAL 85th percentile approach speeds. (It is likely the yellows are too short currently for maximum safety and minimum violations.) These safety-based engineering changes will almost certainly produce better results than the predatory ticket cameras. See our website for the research on the safest speed limits and the safest ways to engineer traffic lights. James C. Walker, National Motorists Association, www.motorists.org, Ann Arbor, MI - James Walker Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:20:12 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/10745-council-eyes-redflex-referendum#comment-26897 Here's the problem with a council sending a decision to a popular vote whenever they want - it allows them to avoid making decisions. If the council only exists as a mechanism to pass the buck on everything to us citizens, there is no need for a council, nor a representative democracy. Theriot's just angry because he lost - the council voted 6-3 to expand the camera program. Now he's willing to test a potentially illegal move, waste taxpayer dollars (if LCG gets sued, guess where the money for public defense is coming from?), and for what purpose? So people can break the law and get away with it? - Simon Mahan Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:20:05 +0100 http://www.theind.com/news/indreporter/10745-council-eyes-redflex-referendum#comment-26896 What is wrong with a public vote on the issue??? When the "supporters" of scameras have to RESORT TO DENYING DEMOCRACY to prevent votes that could ban photo enforcement. THAN this issue is no longer about photo enforcement. IT IS ABOUT THE PUBLIC RIGHT TO DICTATE HOW THEY ARE GOVERNED. Redflex funded front group, sued to DENY voters in Port Lavaca, TX a right to vote on the issue of RLC. http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/37/3795.asp Quote: Judge Kelly issued his final summary judgment after hearing the argument presented by the Texas Traffic Safety Coalition, which sued Port Lavaca to the camera program's survival. Port Lavaca also supports the camera program. The Texas Traffic Safety Coalition is a front group for Redflex Traffic Systems, the Australian company that operates cameras on the city's behalf. In filings with the Texas Secretary of State, the Texas Traffic Safety Coalition reported it was run by David Goldenberg, Gregory Goldner and David Smolensky. All three are senior staff for Resolute Consulting, a public relations firm based in Chicago, Illinois that was hired by Redflex to create the appearance that the program had "grassroots" support. The front group's lawyers argued to Judge Kelly that the red light camera ordinance clearly implicated money. "Because repeal of the ordinance would greatly affect the city's budget, it is not the proper subject of referendum," attorney Matthew R. Beatty wrote on behalf of the Redflex-funded group. THIS IS NO LONGER ABOUT THE SO CALLED "safety" benfits of photo enforcement. (heck the vendors are "involved" in helping with these "studies". http://www.banthecams.org/2782-3-examples-of-likely-involvement-by-the-scamera-vendors-in-reports.html Quote: 2. http://blog.al.com/archiblog/2012/05/forget_public_safety_traffic_c.html Quote: "(mayor) Henderson points to a study conducted on the Center Point Parkway last year that proved there was a "tremendous problem" with speeders, red light runners and other traffic violators. "Who conducted the study? "Redflex had a company do it," he said."" www.motorists.org www.banthecams.org camerafraud on Facebook and check out "Four" Citizens Against Red Light Cameras on Facebook too! - Stephen Donaldson Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:00:34 +0100