Q-C lawmakers oppose camera ban proposal

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By Todd Dorman | Wednesday, April 4, 2007 11:42 PM CDT | () comments

(Updated: 3:09 p.m.) DES MOINES – When the green flag drops on a debate over banning controversial red-light cameras in Iowa, three Quad-Cities senators said Wednesday they plan to vote against the ban.

Sen. Joe Seng, D-Davenport, Sen. David Hartsuch, R-Bettendorf, and Sen. Frank Wood, D-Eldridge, said they will oppose an amendment to a transportation bill that would prohibit the use of cameras to catch lawbreaking drivers.

But the legislators insist their stand is not necessarily an endorsement of red-light cameras. They argue that the Legislature should steer clear until courtroom battles over the issue play out.

Local judges in Davenport and the Des Moines suburb of Clive pulled the plug on red-light cameras, ruling that their use violates state law. The Davenport decision is being appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court.

“We’re probably going to let it play out in the courts and see which way the courts take it,” said Hartsuch, who would rather see lawmakers explore the issue next year.

“I don’t think it would be right for the Legislature to get in the middle of that case,” Hartsuch said.

All three lawmakers acknowledged that their constituents, at least the ones they’re hearing from, oppose the cameras.

“When people get mad enough, they’ll tell you about it,” Seng said. “Most of the constituents are saying they don’t like it, it’s an invasion into their privacy.”

But Seng said the issue is a tough call. Local officials insist the cameras were reducing traffic accidents, especially at dangerous intersections. The cameras also generated revenue.

“If the lights and the cameras are slowing people down and making certain we have fewer accidents in the intersections, there’s an issue of safety,” Wood said.

It’s uncertain when the amendment, sponsored by Sen. Pat Ward, R-Clive, will come up for a vote. A debate on the measure began Tuesday night but was halted by Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs.

Gronstal said he will allow a vote on the issue soon, although he opposes a ban.

“I think people shouldn’t run red lights,” said Gronstal, while acknowledging that majority Democrats are divided on the issue.

Ward said she thinks her measure will draw bipartisan support.

“I believe that police are there to enforce the law and provide safety for the people rather than cameras,” Ward said. “I think it’s going toward big brother, certainly.”

Todd Dorman can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or at todd.dorman@lee.net.