Maryland Speed Camera Referendum (2010)
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A Maryland Speed Camera Referendum may be on the November 2010 ballot in Maryland as an legislatively-referred constitutional amendment.[1]
Daniel Zubari is organizing the effort through a group called Marylanders for Responsible Enforcement.[2] The referendum proposes to reverse a decision made by the Maryland Legislature to begin implementing speed cameras in school and construction zones.
Governor Martin O'Malley is likely to sign SB 277, the bill that would be the subject of the veto referendum on May 19, 2009. The bill would become effective on October 1, 2009 unless proponents of a vote collect enough signatures to force it to a referendum. If that happens, the law will not go into effect unless and until it is approved in a statewide November 2010 vote.
Provisions of SB 277
SB 277 would:
- Allow speed cameras in highway work zones, and in school zones in jurisdictions that allow them.
- Drivers photographed traveling at least 12 m.p.h. above the speed limit could be cited for speeding.
- Drivers would be fined $40, but would not receive any points on their license.
History
A statewide law to put speed cameras in school and construction zones passed during the legislative session in 2009. According to the passed legislation cameras will take pictures of anyone going 12 miles above the speed limit in school and construction zones. The measure allows for local jurisdictions to issue a $40 ticket to speeders in the mail. Drivers would not receive points on their license. [3]
Former Republican congressional candidate Daniel Zubairi, a supporter and leader in the movement against the use of speed cameras, said in late April 2009 that the state Board of Elections said that the initial paperwork to put the issue on the 2010 ballot was insufficient and incomplete.[4] But on April 27 the group was given the go-ahead to begin collecting signatures.
Supporters
Supporters argue that despite speed camera legislation passing in 2009, the cameras give local government too much power and could lead to an increase in surveillance. Maryland for Responsible Enforcement and members of the Baltimore County Republican party are some of the supporters of the ballot measure. The group, Maryland for Responsible Enforcement, was formed in April 2009 in wake of the recent camera legislation that passed in the state.
"I'm not opposed just because it's a money scam," said Ann Miller, a supporter of the initiative. "I'm opposed to it because I don't feel it's an effective policy. I also feel that it erodes our right to a fair hearing."
The Car Connection stated reasons to vote to ban speeding cameras, listing specific local referenda in other states, and also stated: "Fighting camera enforcement citiations in court is usually fruitless. In Montgomery County, drivers were convicted 99.7 percent of the time"[5]
Opponents
In response to the proposed ballot initiative Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith said,"It's not Big Brother watching you, it's just trying to protect children and trying to protect workers who are out there improving public safety by improving the highways." [6]
Signatures
53,000 signatures must be submitted to election officials by June 24, 2009 to qualify the measure for the 2010 ballot. An initial batch of 17,667 signatures must be submitted by May 31, 2009.[7]
The Board is requiring one third of those signatures, 17,667, to be submitted by midnight May 31.
See also
External links
References
- ↑ Washington Post, "Internet Accelerating Speed Camera Foes", May 26, 2009
- ↑ WBAL Radio, "County Republicans Lend Door-to-Door Effort To Speed Camera Referendum", May 6, 2009
- ↑ The Gazette,"Speed camera referendum moving along, organizer says," April 29,2009
- ↑ WJLA,"Maryland Effort for Speed Camera Referendum Delayed," April 24,2009
- ↑ The Car Connection, "Spitting Mad at Speed Cameras? Vote 'Em Out At The Ballot Box!", November 6, 2009
- ↑ WJZ,"Group Wants Speed Cameras Put On The Ballot," May 9,2009
- ↑ WBAL Radio, "Speed Camera Petitions Face Deadline", May 16, 2009
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