We have two major updates on banning red light cameras in Ohio:
1) As we reported below, a citizens group in the City of Maple Heights, OH (suburb of Cleveland) backed by COAST has submitted petitions to ban red light cameras in that fair City. We love this petition drive because it mirrors the black-white coalition formed in Cincinnati over the same issue, as both African-American and caucasian citizens in this City joined together for the petition effort. There, when COAST attorney Christopher Finney talked to the City Solicitor to arrange the hand-in and the Solicitor promised legal problems...and not he has disappointed. The City seems to think they can change the constitutional threshold of signatures required on petitions. They can't. We will be suing them. Expect a hue and cry when we asked to be paid attorneys fees for this one, too. Follow the damn Constitution and we won't sue you. How's that?
2) And in even bigger news, after four years of petitioning, a citizens group in the City of Cleveland proper are Monday submitting petitions to ban red light cameras in that City. Again, backed by COAST, a few brave souls in this City have gathered the requisite numbers for ballot access after years and years of effort. COAST attorney Christopher Finney will be joining the group for the petition turn-in Monday.
We thank Representatives Mallory and Maag for sponsoring a bill to ban the pernicious devices state-wide, but the bill seems to be going nowhere (thanks Republican leaders!). Thus, it will require hand-to-hand combat City-by-City. It's OK. We are up to the task.
These are worthy efforts to try to stop abusive enforcement for profits. I testified for the Mallory/Maag bill HB69, but it was clear the Senate Transportation Committee was not going to let it go to the floor for a vote. Enforcement for profits wins in that committee.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia has similar problems and red light cameras must be defeated city by city. But fairness IS winning there with 68 communities voting to end cameras or ban them, versus only 43 keeping active programs.
It is possible the courts will help in Ohio, but fairness and justice do not always win in court where traffic issues are involved.
James C. Walker, Life Member - National Motorists Association
Coast, we need assistance in the Village of Lucas Ohio. We tried to get the village council to put the issue on the ballot last year. To make a long story short they blocked it due to some issues with the filing time. They could have placed it on this years ballot but did not. The village is one of the villages being sued by ticketed drivers. But like the other lawsuits the case is on hold till the supreme court makes it's decision on Walker vs. Toledo. Who do we contact from Coast to get some action in the Village of Lucas, Richland County, Ohio?
ReplyDelete^ Please contact COAST attorney, Christopher P. Finney at Chris@finneylawfirm.com for legal help in this regard.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Allow us to get some info together to, pardon the pun, bring you up to speed on the matter and will be in contact with you soon.
ReplyDelete