HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Tonight was something of an anniversary for me...the sixth year in a row that I cast the Council's lone vote against installing "Red Light Cameras" on Yonkers' streets.

Despite all the claims of traffic safety, the truth is that Red Light cameras have nothing to do with safety and everything to do with raising revenue. They are just another way for government to take money out of people's pockets under the guise of public concern (think taxing soda pop).

The fact is study after study, including a study by Congress after extensive hearings, has demonstrated that the cameras actually increase accidents, particularly rear end accidents. Think about it, you're aproaching an intersection. At the last second, the light goes yellow. Right or wrong the fellow behind you anticipates you'll proceed. You see the camera or, your a local and know it is there. You slam on the brakes. Bam!

The fact is that intersections with a high incidence of red light infractions usually have other underlying issues, bad site lines, mistimed lights etc. If the issue is safety, then address that problem. If the issue is generating revenue for City Hall, then have the courage to say so and vote for taxes...or better yet have some real courage and vote to cut spending.