Monroe releases traffic-camera information it plans to send to utility customers

Published 1:34 pm Wednesday, July 27, 2011

MONROE — The city has released a draft of its list of the most-asked questions concerning traffic enforcement cameras. Once approved, Monroe plans to send this two-page flier to 51,000 utility customers as early as next week.

The document was released after activist Tim Eyman asked for it through a public records request Wednesday.

You can read the draft letter here or under “Related Items” above.

On Monday, Eyman complained to the state’s Public Disclosure Commission, arguing that by sending the flier, the city is illegally using public funds to influence November’s general election.

City officials say they are allowed to provide facts about the cameras to residents, who have been asking for more information.

Like many others around the country, Monroe is embroiled in a legal and political battle between those who want the cameras removed and more direct voter say in using them, and those who believe the city must honor its contract with the camera company and that traffic cameras contribute to safety.

The PDC is not planning to do any investigation because Monroe has not done anything illegal at this time, spokeswoman Lori Anderson said Wednesday.

“In this case, (Eyman) was complaining about something the city was planning to do,” she said.

The city has not sent the draft to the commission, she said.

City and other government agencies are allowed to send fact sheets to voters, but the information must be factual and balanced, Anderson said.

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.