tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787942380303677174.post3436611362875715978..comments2021-07-24T13:11:03.006-07:00Comments on Capitol Report New Mexico: Lewis Mischaracterizes Marty Chavez, Cops Out on Red Light DebateCapitol Report New Mexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15536807072364387421noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787942380303677174.post-25263308801716561522011-07-03T00:21:46.502-07:002011-07-03T00:21:46.502-07:00Politicians have made every decision on this progr...Politicians have made every decision on this program for 6 years. I said during my council campaign three years ago that the best thing for this program is to put it before the voters and I've been consistent since then. What is the fear of the people of Albuquerque weighing in on this? People want their voice to be heard. <br /><br />I don't believe this program has anything to do with public safety. In studies all over the country including our own UNM research study the cameras have proven to cause more accidents with very little evidence that they have a positive effect whatsoever. <br /><br />Additionally, studies all over the country do prove that there are many alternative measures that have been proven to reduce accidents at intersections including extending yellow lights, all-red clearance times, improving sight lines at trouble intersections, and much more. If we were really interested in public safety, we would take every problem intersection in the city and implement these proven alternative measures. Extending a yellow light by one second is proven to decrease accidents at intersections by 80%. <br /><br />Reasonable people that actually read these multitude of studies conclude that there is a better way. Cities large and small all over the country are getting rid of these programs based on serious studies. <br /><br />City Councilors make thousands of decisions each year without asking the voters for their input. This is one of very few issues that will go before the voters. The ballot question is not a referendum. The council is simply asking for input from the voters, and the Journal as well as all the TV stations and media have clearly explained that. <br /><br />The mayor also in a press release explained that this ballot measure is not legally binding and that the council would have to act one way or the other. This ballot question is similar to the 1/4 cent for public safety tax where this tax question was on the ballot for the people to weigh in. The decision of the voters did not enact the law. The council still acts legislatively one way or another, but is not legally bound to do so. The council has the ability to raise taxes or lower them at any time by up to a 1/4 cent without voter approval.<br /><br />I would take the time to do your own research of the many studies out there as I have before passing uninformed judgment. <br /><br />I will always do my best to make decisions based on what I believe is right for the community. Having said that, Republicans, Independents as well as Democrats have expressed widespread support for a public servant that thinks enough of the people of Albuquerque that he would suggest allowing them to have a say in such an important issue.<br /><br />I would be glad to participate in a formal public debate on this issue if you're inclined to set one up. <br /><br />Dan LewisUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940843278787054265noreply@blogger.com