Tuesday, December 4, 2007

IF IT AIN'T BROKEN, DON'T FIX IT

I am amazed about the shenanigans elected officials can get up to in the performance of their official duties. The anti red light runners/speeders cameras have been put under the gun by our wise City Councillors. Well, at least by some of them. Seems four of the nine Councilors refused to attend this meeting. They were angry about the "negotiations" that led to Brad Winter becoming the president of the Council. The four accused him of reneging on his word to back other people seeking that job. Winter denied that charge. The vote on whether the city can still fine scofflaws was 3 to 2 against this action. (I wonder if those 3 have gotten any tickets?) I remember that, long ago, I had the delicate job of stopping children's bickering. Had to be careful not to hurt any of the little tyke's feelings. (I wonder what reminded me of that?) I'm not going to mention names, but the objections of a couple of Councilors strike me about as valid as those children's excuses were. Happily, the bill must go to Mayor Marty before taking effect. Marty Chavez should veto it, since he's the person who had them installed in the first place. Whew, what luck. I fired off an email to all of the Councilors this morning. Haven't gotten any replies yet, but this is what I wrote: I find it very interesting that the City Council is implying that Albuquerque's Mayor and the Chief of Police are lying. To explain that statement, both of these officials have stated that the speeding and red light cameras, at dangerous intersections, have substantially reduced accidents and injuries. The Council, in deliberation, has questioned whether or not this is actual fact. One of my questions is: doesn't the Council have access to records that would show, or not show, whether this is true? Another question: Do any of the Council members, their families or friends have convictions re the speeding and/or red light running? . One more thing. I got this in an email from a friend in another city: "It never ceases to amaze me to what length politicians go to, to avoid stop sign cameras, that would pay for themselves in a day or two, and wuld(sic) save a lot of lives. Last Wednesday my dad got run over right in the middle of a crosswalk by some cell phone using bimbo who blew right through a stop sign and then took off in a hurry. A camera would have helped to put an end to THAT bad habit. "Dad is OK but was limping badly for a few days, and regretting that he had just soft bread in his shoping(sic) bag instead of canned or frozen goods. He would have dented that drivers car considerably more than he did." . Don't forget to click the header.

17 comments:

Les Becker said...

Greeeaaat. And you tell me I'd be COMFORTABLE driving in Albuquerque?! I may want to stick to the ice and snow...

alphonsedamoose said...

Cat: We have red light cameras here in Edmonton and they are a good thing. We also have photo radar which is a pain in the ass. The problem is it is a private company that runs it and they get a percentage of the tickets and you don't get the ticket until 6-8 weeks later. There is also no way to defend yourself against your accuser. They also seem to set up in high volume areas(Highways) rather than an area where speeding is dangerous.The cops give very few speeding tickets anymore because they become so dependent on photo radar.

Lin said...

This was YOUR dad who got nailed by some idiot who then left the scene?!
God luv him for bouncing back like a trooper but I hope he doesn't have other injuries which aren't apparent right now. Can you find him a flame-thrower to carry on his walks? I don't think he'd have to use it - it would just be an attention getter, way better than a dayglow orange vest.

Catmoves said...

Oh, darn. I skipped an explanatory intro to that post. The email was sent to me by a friend in California. I guess I better edit that post.
He might as well be a family member: He doesn't blog, doesn't read blogs and won't even visit mine. Sigh.
Sorry I forgot the pre-note. I'm gettin' like some of my blogger friends. Maybe I should start using CRS after my name?

alphonsedamoose said...

What is CRS?

Catmoves said...

moose, please don't tell anyone, but it's an old fogey's disease. They catch it from blondes, mostly.
Can't Remember S**t.

Anonymous said...

Well, hell. Now, I'm scared to drive in California, too... :-(

Anonymous said...

This is true about the CRS. I'm not a natural blonde... but I dye my hair, because I feel it's only fair to warn people.

Catmoves said...

les, don't be afraid to drive in California. Most of the freeways there are just big parking lots. But do have lots of gas in your car tank if you go there.
As for being blonde, I've always considered that as just another state of mind. (Practical excuse on my part.)

Catmoves said...

moose, you can steal that if you like it.

Catmoves said...

I did.

alphonsedamoose said...

Thanks Cat, I appreciate it.

Catmoves said...

Anytime moose. What're friends for?

alphonsedamoose said...

Right. If you can't steal from your friends, who can you steal from.

Lin said...

Cat, thanks for noting that you had changed the lead in on 'Dad' getting knocked over. I was thinking that it was MY CRS kicking in again.

Catmoves said...

Right on, moose.

Catmoves said...

Mea culpa, lin. My fingers cannot keep with my thinking. When I proofread, my head bone insists what I wanted to type is there. (It knows what is needed.) So I usually proof read three or four times.
See, I also suffer from blonde moments.