Battle over Red Light Cameras in City Council
By: Joe Griffin
Updated: June 26, 2007
"Let's vote for what the citizens want, not for what we here on the council want."
That was the battle cry of Councilman John Leonard as he fought to have Lubbock's red -light cameras taken down.
Last week, Governor Perry signed Senate Bill 1119 into law giving the state full control over revenue made from red-light cameras. The governor's approval prompted Leonard to try to over-turn the city's contract with red-light camera company ATS.
"This is an opportunity for the council to step back and say we do listen to the public's will, and we want to make the right decision and not rush," said District 3 Councilman Todd Klein.
As the debate raged on and tempers flared, a clear line was drawn between those who support the cameras and those who want them down.
Supporting her opinion with statistics and studies that were anywhere form six to ten months old, Councilwoman Phyllis Jones said the cameras are an issue of safety.
"Since this is about safety," said Jones, "I would encourage us to put up more cameras."
Leonard combated Jone's argument with multiple studies that show no decrease in accidents, and citing that seven states have already banned the cameras.
The discussion lasted for more than an hour ending with a final vote of 5-2 fro keeping the cameras. Councilman Jim Gilbreath, however, said he would be interested in renegotiating the city's contract with ATS.
Gilbreath said he would like to see a study on the cameras impact on Lubbock. Leonard said that the proposition of renegotiation is not likely.
"I believe it's a done deal for the city of Lubbock," said Leonard.
That was the battle cry of Councilman John Leonard as he fought to have Lubbock's red -light cameras taken down.
Last week, Governor Perry signed Senate Bill 1119 into law giving the state full control over revenue made from red-light cameras. The governor's approval prompted Leonard to try to over-turn the city's contract with red-light camera company ATS.
"This is an opportunity for the council to step back and say we do listen to the public's will, and we want to make the right decision and not rush," said District 3 Councilman Todd Klein.
As the debate raged on and tempers flared, a clear line was drawn between those who support the cameras and those who want them down.
Supporting her opinion with statistics and studies that were anywhere form six to ten months old, Councilwoman Phyllis Jones said the cameras are an issue of safety.
"Since this is about safety," said Jones, "I would encourage us to put up more cameras."
Leonard combated Jone's argument with multiple studies that show no decrease in accidents, and citing that seven states have already banned the cameras.
The discussion lasted for more than an hour ending with a final vote of 5-2 fro keeping the cameras. Councilman Jim Gilbreath, however, said he would be interested in renegotiating the city's contract with ATS.
Gilbreath said he would like to see a study on the cameras impact on Lubbock. Leonard said that the proposition of renegotiation is not likely.
"I believe it's a done deal for the city of Lubbock," said Leonard.
