Eyman submits signatures in Mukilteo red-light camera fight

MUKILTEO — Two weeks ago, Tim Eyman began collecting signatures for an initiative petition challenging the city’s plans to install red light cameras along the Mukilteo Speedway.

Wednesday, Eyman turned in petitions after gathering what he said are 1,909 signatures, more than the 1,804 required.

In May, the City Council agreed to hire American Traffic Solutions to install cameras to catch red-light runners and speeders at two locations along the Mukilteo Speedway.

Mayor Joe Marine cast the deciding vote to approve the contract.

Not so fast, said Eyman, a Mukilteo resident known for his statewide anti-tax initiatives.

Eyman wants the public to weigh-in on whether the city should install the traffic cameras in front of Olympic View Middle School and along the Speedway at Harbour Pointe Boulevard.

His initiative would also require the city to let the public vote before adding any red light cameras in the future.

The council is scheduled to discuss traffic cameras next Tuesday.

“We’re not necessarily locked in just because we made a decision once,” said Council President Randy Lord, who voted in favor of the traffic camera contract.

Councilman Kevin Stoltz, who missed the earlier vote, said Wednesday he signed the petition mostly because the council’s transportation committee never reviewed studies used to justify the contract.

“This is not the type of thing we’re supposed to do without looking at alternatives and considering the repercussions,” he said.

It’s expected to take about a week for the Snohomish County Elections Division to certify Eyman’s initiative, said Garth Fell, elections manager.

The council could adopt or reject the initiative. If it rejects the initiative by voting not to place it on the ballot, proponents of the measure could appeal the council’s decision to Snohomish County Superior Court.

Nov. 2 is the earliest the initiative could appear on the ballot.

Oscar Halpert: 425-339-3429; ohalpert@heraldnet.com.