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Law

Red light camera opponents file initiatives in Monroe, Longview

Publicola.com

Red light camera opponents in Longview and Monroe submitted initiatives Monday against the automatic traffic ticketing system. If approved, the Monroe initiative would require the city to remove its cameras and ask for voter approval before installing more.

The Longview initiative would overturn the city council's approval and require a public vote.

Mike Wallin, one of the initiatives leading proponents told the Longview Daily News:

"The city has declared war on the people, haven't they? It's quite outrageous. It's quite the slap in the face."

In Monroe, the Sky Valley Chronicle reports that the measure would require that city to remove the cameras that are now up and ask for voter approval before installing any more cameras. The measure would also reduce the monetary fines from the tickets generated by such cameras.

The measures are inspired by initiative activist Tim Eyman who is pushing similar measures in Wenatchee, Bellingham and Redmond. Mukilteo voters in Eyman's home town approved his initiative last year, but the measure is still in court.

Eyman says cities use the ticketing system for revenue. Supporters point to statistics that show red light cameras improve safety at intersections.

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