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Martin backs vote on photo radar

by Brian Rackham/KTAR (February 8th, 2010 @ 7:46am)

PHOENIX - State Treasurer Dean Martin has made speed cameras a campaign issue.

Martin, a Republican candidate for governor, said the photo radar cameras on Arizona's highways are a poor substitute for real police officers -- and are little more than a revenue source for state government.

"Law enforcement shouldn't be a profit center. Law enforcement is a core responsibility of government. It should be the first thing that we fund. It should be the first we do. We shouldn't be looking at law enforcement as a way to make money for the budget. It's not a budget balancing tool."

Appearing at an anti-speed camera rally over the weekend at the headquarters of Redflex Traffic Systems which makes the cameras.

He said he doubts photo radar is really making highways safer. "For years I tried to get the Department of Weights and Measures to test the equipment to make sure its accurate. And photo radar companies didn't want test. They were opposed to having any type of proof that they were accurate."

Martin said he supports a ballot initiative that would give voters a chance to decide the fate of photo radar.

Last 5 Comments

  • Reply Abuse Vote
    The Cameras Work
    Jshope
    They get people to slow down at the point of the camera, although they do nothing to change behavior where cameras aren't placed. They bring in money for the state, through a non-legislated tax on drivers who are not obsessively checking the speedometer or have a momentary lapse in judgement. They make the electorate realize the ways that the government can become tyrannical towards its citizenry.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    The lobbiests and powers that be
    Claude Suddreth
    will certainly resist ANY vote to their utmost ability. Photo radar cameras and red light cameras were never approved by the citizens of Arizona. They were installed by our elected officials. They have never been popular with the public. The powers that be know this clearly - and any vote - will mean their elimination from the State of Arizona. I wonder what the real chances of seeing this on a ballot are?
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Git rid of them all
    tb
    I think they should also get rid of the cameras and banks and gas stations. I hate having my picture taken there also. If I want to do something ilegal I should not have to be constatly looking over my shoulder for a camera.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    speed radar
    cubuffalo
    I really think they are using this subject as a political football. These systems really slow people down and save lives.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    A police presence is almost always
    Olphart
    a better deterrent to speeding. But it also deters other driving sins as well. When people see a police car they simply tend to do a more diligent job of driving. Good for Martin. Put it to a vote.
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