Violators sloppy, are not victims
Some political activists are condemning installing red light and speed cameras in Mukilteo. They claim the city’s primary purpose is to generate revenue instead of creating safety, so they should be banned to protect “victims.” If they are right, then we still need the cameras. The city of Mukilteo is me, and my neighbors and everyone who pays taxes to keep the city running. Like everyone else I would like to pay less in taxes.
The cameras (a proven fund raiser) have been proposed to benefit Mukilteo (me and my neighbors). And the really terrific part: The only people who will be paying for this will be the people who choose to ignore the traffic laws. Not tricky “speed trap” laws. The same traffic laws found everywhere in the state. People who get caught will be the ones who have gotten sloppy about their driving, ignoring posted speed signs, and not treating a red light as a stop light. (Just for the record, there is no such thing as a “free right” on a red. Everyone must come to a complete stop before turning.)
The activists want us to believe violators are “victims.” They should receive no more than a token $20 fine, a mere slap on the wrist. It is as if people now have the “right” to pick and choose which traffic laws they want to obey or ignore. (And our kids learn by our example that rules are merely “suggestions” to be ignored when they are not convenient.)
As for safety, I got a camera ticket for a “California stop” in Seattle. After paying $101, I now make sure that we come to a complete stop before turning right on a red light. So in my case, yes it made a safer driver. And speeding in a school zone? Does anyone really need an explanation?
Ron Shaw
Mukilteo
Talk to us
- You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing newstips@heraldnet.com or by calling 425-339-3428.
- If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to letters@heraldnet.com or by regular mail to The Daily Herald, Letters, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.
- More contact information is here.
