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State police should also

follow speeding laws

On the subject of speed cameras saving lives, I have only two things to ask of Col. Terrence B. Sheridan of the Maryland State Police. Please order your troopers to slow down and obey the same speed laws we all do. There is no doubt that speed cameras are effective in reducing accidents within their field of view, but what better way to teach others, especially our children, to slow down than by example. On many occasions, we all have witnessed state troopers and other police officers exceeding speed limits by 10, 20, even 30 mph for no apparent emergency. How are we to explain this to our children, especially to our teenagers, who ask why this blatant disregard for the law by those entrusted to enforce the law exists in our state? I trust that one day our troopers and officers will become parents themselves, where they too will discover the same paradox their actions have on our children. If there is anything you can do to help us parents, it's that.

In addition, please understand how important an example it would be for us and our children to stop reading about our troopers and police officers displaying vulgar acts to these cameras and refusing to pay their fines when caught on or off duty. There's more to it than just using "technology." We all must do our part to make the law effective.

Dennis J. Capolongo, Potomac

Concern about speed cameras

The misleading headline for the Oct. 21 article on speed cameras, ["State speed camera law costing county $5M"], gives the impression that Montgomery County will be spending an additional $5 million operating these cameras. The only financial change is fewer fines will be collected, resulting in less revenue for Montgomery County and the Texas company running the cameras. However, this company is expecting a $9.8 million boon from this law, which explains the donation of $183,000 dollars to re-election campaigns of our governor and current legislature. Not to mention their lawyers' donation of $213,000, or the $6,000 tab they covered for state committees at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

I'd also like to offer an opposing viewpoint to that of Delegate William Bronrott. I, too, support policies based on empirical research. However, all the independent research indicates that traffic cameras distract drivers, leading to more accidents. Earlier this month the city of Grande Prairie completed a report showing a 126 percent increase in injuries at traffic cameras, more than doubling the yearly average, despite a national trend in the opposite direction. Reports from England show similar patterns. I hope that as a community we can find a way to keep our roads — and our wallets — safe.

Brice Farrell, Damascus

Politicians protecting

speed camera revenue

Citizens and public officials can say all they wish regarding speed cameras. Arguments can be made on both sides of this issue. But the fact remains, with state and county budgets stretched beyond limits, speed camera revenue is an easy answer to increasing deficits. And we can expect them in every community in the state unless our citizens demand a say in their use. I am convinced that if speed cameras were revenue neutral, or a budget drain, you'd be hard-pressed to find many. Our elected and law enforcement officials couldn't withstand the political or fiscal heat. And I think most rational citizens would agree.

The Gazette provides ample space for our government and police officials to extol the safety virtues of these devices. And their commentaries come with all sorts of statistics to support their position. Have you read their thoughts about the revenue generating side of this issue? Of course not. They want to protect their piece of that revenue pie.

Tim McCabe, Sandy Spring