Red Light Camera Town Hall: Were They Listening?

Last night's Town Hall put on by Councilor Brad Winter drew a large crowd of around 150. (ABQ Journal - Subscription Required). There were a lot of good questions raised, questions of the length of yellow lights, economic profiling, funds distribution (where $4 Million of the $6.3 Million received has gone), due process, and excessive fines. Most of the crowd was less than happy with the program; in fact, down right angry. But even supporters found things to be concerned about and many of them were the same complaints voiced by the program’s critics.

If you distill the evening down to a few points you find that people believe that the program is a cash cow for the city, that the fines are excessive, and that they do not receive a fair and impartial hearing (how can they when there are bills to pay?). We told you about the pressure not to dismiss these citations here. The fact is, as long as the City of Albuquerque sets the fee schedule, is the accuser, and acts as the judge; fair and impartial hearings will be impossible and will take a back seat to revenue concerns.

If there was ever any doubt that this program was all about money, just look to today's Albuquerque Journal (Subscription Required). The Legislature has managed to do something that angry citizens have been unable to do... threaten the existence of the program. Mayor Marty has vowed to pull the plug if the Legislature passes a bill that would send $74 of every citation to the state. Why? Yep… Money.

The Almighty One claims that it cost $5 Million a year to operate the program, a figure that is sure to include every "cost" even those charged by the City. And apparently, if the City weren't allowed to keep all of the loot, that $5 Million a year would be "a program killer." Wait, wasn't this about public safety? According to the Journal this is how the fines collected are broken down:

"Of a standard $100 fine, city officials said, $14 goes to the company that owns the equipment, $15.65 funds the hearing office, $18 processes the fines and $9.60 pays for officers to review the citations."

There are other costs associated with start up and expansion but when you take a look at the core costs of each citation, your immediate reaction is that the City is paying $57.25 per $100 ticket and only keeping $42.75. Hey that seems fair... right? Not really. You see at least $25.25 of the $57.25 actually goes to City departments, upping the City's take to 68 bucks and that's on a citation of $100. Remember those fines of $100, $250, $500, and the two year term for repeat offenses? There ends up being an awful lot of gravy or profit over and above the $68.

Let's review... We've established that the Imperial City (hat tip to Sen. Tim Jennings) makes a LOT of moolah (that's money Councilor Mayer) with the cameras. We've established most of it goes to the City. We've established that there are a large number of people who view the cameras with distrust, suspicion, and down right hatred. We've established that it's impossible to get a fair hearing. We've established that it's not at all about public safety or the Almighty One would be willing to continue the program even at a loss. (After all, the police department doesn't turn a profit.)

Now the real question after last night's Town Hall Meeting is: Councilors, Mayor Marty, were you listening?

----- UPDATE-----

Looks like great minds... well, you get the idea. The local blogs are a buzz over last night's Town Hall Festivities. Take a gander at these great minds!

Mario Burgos - MarioBurgos.com
The Wednesday Morning Quarterback - WednesdayMorningQB.com

Red Light Cameras: Councilor Winter To Hold Town Hall Meeting

We just got our Eyes on a press release from Councilor Brad Winter's office. Councilor Winter has decided to hold a Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, March 6th to discuss the issue of Red Light Camera enforcement. Councilor Winter brings up the egregious fines, the extreme penalties for late payment and the problems with the appeal process. The councilor is apparently "really concerned about the appeals process," and goes on to site the recent departure of the City's hearing officer Albert Chavez, that we told you about here. He also said, "people have the right to have input on how they are policed."

We couldn't agree more... The Town Hall will be held downtown at City Hall in the City Council (Vincent E. Griego) Chambers. The full text of councilor's press release is posted below.

CITY COUNCILOR BRAD WINTER TO CONDUCT HALL MEETING TO LISTEN TO CITIZEN CONCERNS REGARDING RED LIGHT CAMERAS

City Councilor, Brad Winter (District 4) will conduct a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 to allow citizens to voice their concerns regarding the Safe Traffic Operations Program Ordinance which allows for the use of photo red light cameras and electronic speed detection equipment.

“Since the ordinance went into effect the Council has been bombarded with complaints and concerns from the citizens of Albuquerque,” said Councilor Winter, “I just want to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard regarding this matter.”

An item of great concern is the amount of the fines and the 100% increase to the fines imposed when there is a delay in making payment. Councilor Debbie O’Malley and Councilor Ken Sanchez have introduced legislation to address this issue. The process to appeal violations has also been repeatedly questioned. “We need to assure that all citizens are being granted due process,” said the Councilor, “I’m really concerned about the appeals process.” The City’s hearing officer who hears appeals of violations has resigned his position.

“People have the right to have input on how they want to be policed,” stated Councilor Winter, “I think it’s time we listened to how the public feels about the laws we are imposing on them.”

The Town Hall will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers, City/County Government Center. Parking will be provided in the underground lot in Civic Plaza. For more information call 768-3101.