[img]2283|right|Jeff Cooper||no_popup[/img]A philosophical question arises in the wake of a statement issued this morning by City Councilman Jeff Cooper.
Mr. Cooper told the newspaper:
“In regards to our red light camera program and renewal of a contract with Redflex Traffic Systens, Inc., the most important factor that played in my decision to renew is the significant reduction in serious accidents that occurred at the intersections where our cameras are stationed.”
A nagging question since Monday night, when the Council voted not only unanimously, but with vigor, to extend its 12-year relationship for three more years is:
When the vendor has been found to be in legal trouble – mounting into the millions — in another city (Chicago), should that force the city fathers and mothers of Culver City to examine the constitution and practices of Redflex more seriously than the apparently casual glance it took?
Mr. Cooper further said about the Redflex arrangement:
“The amount we pay, the amount we collect is pretty secondary to the protection of people’s lives and health .
“Let the debate rage on over the fairness of these systems and the credibility of the company providing the service to our city.
“I say to those who cry foul, ‘Drive carefully in our city. Obey the law. If you run a red light, that roughly $500 ticket you pay hopefully will remind you to be that much more careful in your driving next time.”
