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Local News 
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Mukilteo group fighting Eyman initiative remains a mystery Little is known about the group suing to stop an initiative on Mukilteo traffic cameras, or about who's funding its lawsuit. MUKILTEO -- A group called Mukilteo Citizens for Simple Government came out of nowhere last week to oppose Tim Eyman's red-light camera initiative.So, exactly who makes up the group and who is paying its legal expenses? Mukilteo resident Christine Preston is the founding member, according to a lawsuit filed to prevent Eyman's initiative from being placed on the Nov. 2 ballot. Eyman's initiative would require a public vote before the city could add red-light or speed zone cameras. Preston declined requests for an interview. Instead, Preston, in a statement vetted by her lawyer, says that she's walked and jogged along city streets for nine years and has seen drivers run red lights and nearly run into pedestrians at intersections. "The City Council was elected to make these decisions for Mukilteo, and the initiative sponsors want to interfere with the council's business in order to protect red light runners," her statement said. "I guess we will see what the judge says." The lawsuit is scheduled to be heard by a Snohomish County Superior Court judge next week. Eyman contends the Arizona company that provides these red-light and speed cameras is behind Mukilteo Citizens for Simple Government. He said the company American Traffic Solutions has hired the legal firm Stoel Rives in the past. And the same firm is representing Mukilteo Citizens. George Hittner, ATS vice president for governmental relations, said in an e-mail his company is not providing financial assistance. "American Traffic Solutions is proud to support Christine Preston and other Washingtonians who are fighting for the proven public safety impact that intersection safety cameras have had in reducing red-light runners, collisions and injuries in Washington state and across America," Hittner wrote. Mukilteo Citizens has caught the attention of the state's Public Disclosure Commission, which tracks political spending to make sure it complies with state law. They're seeking more information on the group. "We think that group of citizens should be registering and reporting as a political committee," commission spokeswoman Lori Anderson said. Mukilteo considered becoming the second city in Snohomish County to add red-light and traffic cameras. Lynnwood added the cameras three years ago, and backers say the streets are safer. Others say the city is using the cameras to make money. Lynnwood made about $4.5 million on the cameras in 2008-09. In the first five months of this year, the city generated $2.2 million in cash from the cameras. In May, the Mukilteo City Council agreed to hire ATS to install and operate red-light and speed-zone cameras along the Mukilteo Speedway. The council then shelved that plan after Eyman collected enough signatures to take the issue to the voters. Last week, Preston and Mukilteo Citizens filed their lawsuit to prevent Eyman's initiative from appearing on the ballot. This issue has played itself out in at least one other city. Last November, officials in College Station, Texas, removed nine red-light cameras leased to the city by ATS after voters approved a proposition calling for their removal. A group called Keep College Station Safe formed to keep the cameras. ATS donated $20,000 to that organization and was the largest financial contributor, according The Eagle, a newspaper in the central Texas town. Mukilteo Citizens' lawsuit argues that Eyman's initiative goes beyond the scope of state law by preventing the City Council from enacting city laws. Eyman said the initiative so far is simply a proposed law, and he questioned the motivation behind the lawsuit. "If the voters were to vote down our initiative, it would be moot," he said. "There would be no lawsuit necessary." No challenge to a statewide ballot initiative has ever succeeded in stopping a public vote, said David Ammons, a spokesman for the Washington secretary of state. Local initiatives are different, said Hugh Spitzer, a Seattle attorney who teaches state and constitutional law at the University of Washington and who has advised Mukilteo on public financing. "There are probably some legs to this lawsuit; it's not an open-and-shut case," Spitzer said. "It could go either way." Oscar Halpert: 425-339-3429; ohalpert@heraldnet.com. |
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COMMENTS
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I am sick of people using the initiative process to keep government from doing its job. I am no fan of big government, but people like eyman make it so nothing ever gets done. I hope the court agrees with this ladies suit.
Cascade down | Jul 30, 2010 5:06 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Bottom line red light cameras work. If you get a ticket you deserve it. Who can argue with safety?
jane smith | Jul 30, 2010 1:22 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Tim Eyman, the professional initiative sponsor, has become what I see as Washingtons own limelight chump. This guy has taken it upon himself to try to mold Washington in his own image. It's not an image I care for. Red light cameras have been here for awhile now (especially in Lynnwood) where I often drive, shop, go about my daily life and I personally have never gotten a ticket. Wanna know why? I follow the law while driving in my vehicle. I watch the lights to see if they are stale....if they are I dont rush to get thru them. I have never had to stomp on the brakes...never had someone almost hit me from behind. Wanna know why?? Because, I am a careful driver and I dont break the law. If others did the same thing we would never need a red light camera. I dont give a rats behind if the cameras are about money....I am enjoying the safety. I too, like many of us, have seen idiots run the lights, almost hit people, not paying attention, talking on a handheld cellphone, racing the light or just plain having an "I dont give a rats behind because im more important than you" attitude about everyone else on the road. Im happy to see these idiots pay thru the wallet for breaking the law. Tim Eyman, I have no doubt, is one of these idiot drivers. Im sure Timmy likes to talk to investors (im sorry, initiative backers) on his cellphone while driving and running redlights. Im sure he likes to see himself in the rearview mirror while not paying attention to the road. Im sure he believes that he is better than everyone else....more entitled, more important (does it remind you of Animal Farm??) He is putting peoples lives at risk both while behind the wheel and thru his initiative abuses. Redlight cameras are a good idea and if you are a safe and thoughtful driver you will never have to pay for a ticket. Whats the point in having a city counsel...or a Mayor..or Executive to run the citys business?? Why not let good ole Chump Eyman decide for you while he gets paid?? I mean, Chump Eyman knows whats best for everyone....right?? Chump Eyman has decided that no taxes are ever needed to run anything. Roads fix themselves, the police work for free, fires put themselves out, trama victims can drive themselves to the emergency room, no one litters...so we dont ever need to pick up garbage,lightbulbs in street lights never burn out, the city never has any business that needs administrating and corporations have everyones best interest at heart and we dont need to police them. You see, Chump Eyman wants us all to live in his little insane world where you get all the luxury and you never have to pay taxes for anything because it is all free. Of course, in that world, Chump Eyman would be selling timex out of a cardboard box and crying that the pothole in front of the homeless shelter where he lives, broke one of his watches.........Michelle, Everett
Michelle Hall | Jul 28, 2010 6:29 am | 6 replies | Request removal
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Dear Michelle,
Your comments are simply asinine.
Trebor Snoyl | Jul 28, 2010 7:23 am | Request removal
Michelle you have no clue, initiatives prove that Eyman has the backing of the people when they pass.
Pete McGwire | Jul 28, 2010 8:05 am | Request removal
Michelle:
Here's a concept you may not understand, but the length of a comment / message doesn't determine its worth or validity. Frankly, yours is as irrational and meaningless as they come. I must assume that you simply enjoy hearing the sound of your own voice / thoughts.
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 9:35 am | Request removal
WOW! Can this chick rant or what?
matt mybuisness | Jul 28, 2010 9:36 am | Request removal
Hey Michelle,
Your comment: "This guy has taken it upon himself to try to mold Washington in his own image. It's not an image I care for." I've got a solution for your problem - Move out of Washington!
TopCat | Jul 28, 2010 9:47 am | Request removal
Being that the proof readers deleted my honest post here goes again. Michelle shut up you uneducated woman.
David Williams | Jul 30, 2010 10:29 am | Request removal
I do not think drivers who are in favor of cameras are naive at all! I think they are sick of people driving like maniacs around them and getting away with it.
D B | Jul 29, 2010 11:36 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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Then if these redlight cams pass in Muk, don't complain when rear-end someone who slams on his breaks when the signal he's approaching turns yellow for about one second before it turns red.
The trust you put in government is shocking and astonishingly pollyanna.
Jacques Klahaya | Jul 30, 2010 12:53 am | Request removal
What an embarrassment he is, running around in a promotional T-shirt and getting paid by special interest groups to promote a dead issue. Let one of the kids get hurt by a speeder in the school zone and watch him run for cover.
W Howard | Jul 29, 2010 8:17 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Michelle in Everett is a nama caller when you don't agree with her positions. Try gay rights with her?
Homer Remoh | Jul 28, 2010 8:15 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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probably 300lbs, with no chance of finding a man, or a woman
David Williams | Jul 29, 2010 7:12 pm | Request removal
This AZ company gets half the money - this is too much conflict of interest. Bring the administration of these cameras to the community and make all the money, then I don't have a problem.
ThunderPants | Jul 29, 2010 12:01 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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So what??? Dont put down a state who is enforcing a federal law. Our entire country should follow by example.
David Williams | Jul 29, 2010 7:07 pm | Request removal
Lynnwood made about $4.5 million on the cameras in 2008-09.........They don't mention there was $14 million in additional car repairs because of the traffic cameras. Did you know over 50% of the income goes to the camera company?? Yes they want a camera behind every streetlamp to make their cut...They are funding the law suit.
Gene Simmons | Jul 29, 2010 4:41 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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I think that everyone will like the camaeras once accidents start going down- which they will!
Jackie Linder | Jul 29, 2010 4:20 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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The cameras have worked in other communities, so why not try them. They've been shown to help keep roads safe, an idea everyone should support. Some people just think that their time is more important than ours, and it's just better to risk our safety than inconvenience them by making them slow down.
Tom Slenton | Jul 29, 2010 1:26 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Install the cameras, shorten the yellow lights, rake in the moola. That was Lynnwood's plan all along it and has me going elsewhere for many things I used to buy and do there.
Steven Smith | Jul 29, 2010 11:15 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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Same for me and my family in Federal Way. Bring the administration of these cameras home and they wouldn't be that big a problem for us. This company in AZ gets 50% of the money - seems like a big conflict of interest.
ThunderPants | Jul 29, 2010 11:59 am | Request removal
I hope this all comes out positively.
These systems are proving to be affective around the country.
fred james | Jul 29, 2010 11:45 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Get over it already! There are so many bigger issues to spend time obsessing over than red light cameras. They are in place to try and get idiots from blatantly running a red light and taking mine and everyone elses lives in their hands.
Trey Godron | Jul 29, 2010 9:46 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Looking at the comments below I continually see "Obama Koolade" and whatnot, and then complaining about how we (liberals) are trying to impede your right to excersize your vote.
I would have to agree that this lawsuit is unnecessary and stopping the vote on the issue. So lets have a vote, and if cameras win (unlike), you wont be able to complain about them, because that is democracy.
Just like with Obama, and us Liberals absolutely destroying you guys in the last election, we suffered through you guys in power, and now it is our turn. You can complain about the policies, like we did with you guys, but at the end of the day, the majority voted for us libs, and we get to run the show.
You get to deal with it, or get out. I seem to remember hearing that a lot between 2001 and 2008. Also, how about "you can't criticise a war time president". That was pretty common also, but where did it go? Are we no longer in a war?
I personnally think both of the above slogans are bull, but if you're going to preach it, you have to practice it. Otherwise you look like a five year old kid with dementia.
Nate Hart | Jul 28, 2010 12:49 pm | 3 replies | Request removal
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You need to do what you can do now, while you have the chance... Come November, you will be back in the Minority ....
Dale dell | Jul 28, 2010 5:47 pm | Request removal
Its claer you didnt take a look at which states got him the office. Won less states but did win in welfare states so they can keep their way of life. Oh which war do you think we are not in? I am still waiting for the big change for the good. You remember I will end the war and bring our troops home you can take that to the bank!!
You must have got an extra strong batch. Weeeeeeeeee!!
R R | Jul 29, 2010 6:35 am | Request removal
That's right, RR- you just pack up the guns, put all the soldiers on planes, and you leave. It only takes a week, right? *shakes head*
R N | Jul 29, 2010 6:45 am | Request removal
I don't want to have to go to the polls everytime the city wants to put up a camera. This initiative is a waste of everybody's time. This is why we elect people.
Janca Tim | Jul 29, 2010 12:11 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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And when the people you elect start taking measures to screw you over, you have this type of recourse to prevent it.
If you're too lazy and uninvolved to care about this one way or the other because the "hired help," i.e. the elected officials, are to take care of it, then by all means go back to sleep.
Jacques Klahaya | Jul 29, 2010 3:10 am | Request removal
I have seen the walkers/joggers Christine is talking about and watched them just walk through cross walks that say dont walk without looking and the same walk right through intersections without looking like they own the road. Yes we are suppose to let people walk thru intersections but what if no one sees you ??? DUH well then you all most get hit. I am surprized no has been run over. ATS is a slimy company they have already taken court action agianst another city over the red light camera's . If I was Joe Marine I would look else where for a company that doesnt have a history of taking the city to court if they dont get their way,,He is just asking for trouble if the city use's this company.
Oh yeah back to the walkers / joggers ya cant fix stupid when it comes to walking thru an intersection without looking DUH!!
R R | Jul 28, 2010 7:28 am | 4 replies | Request removal
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Tim Eyman is an egomaniac, plain and simple. But if he shows up to Olympia wearing his Princess Leah costume intead of his previous Darth Vader costume, I might give him the true drama queen credit that he is seeking.
Go away Tim, go far far away to another galaxy.
TJ R | Jul 28, 2010 12:27 pm | Request removal
Tim Eyman is an egomaniac, plain and simple. But if he shows up to Olympia wearing his Princess Leah costume intead of his previous Darth Vader costume, I might give him the true drama queen credit that he is seeking.
Go away Tim, go far far away to another galaxy.
TJ R | Jul 28, 2010 12:27 pm | Request removal
Terri:
So, what does his ego have to do with my ability to vote on the underlying issue (red light cameras? Frankly, one could equally argue that Ms. Preston is an ego maniac.
Bottom line, I don't care what Eyman's motives are. I care more that Ms. Preston wants to take away my ability to vote on this important issue.
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 12:35 pm | Request removal
" I care more that Ms. Preston wants to take away my ability to vote on this important issue."
The fact that they are willing to deny voters the chance to decide for themselves says everything you need to know about their motives.
Jacques Klahaya | Jul 28, 2010 6:42 pm | Request removal
All the whiners here are an embarrasement. You don't hear non-smokers complain about cigarette taxes so why should we believe these complainers are anything other than reckless drivers who don't want to get caught. Enforcing our traffic laws (especially with cameras!) deters reckless driving and reduces the number of collisions, injuries and deaths - which is the whole point in having traffic laws in the first place!
Bill Young | Jul 28, 2010 11:42 am | 4 replies | Request removal
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Really, because the revenue generated by the City of Lynnwood entirely refutes your claims.
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 11:44 am | Request removal
Keep drinking the camera Kool-Aid...
ekunigon | Jul 28, 2010 11:46 am | Request removal
As a driver with a clean record - no moving violations what-so-ever and not even a parking ticket - I very strongly oppose red light cameras in ANY CITY. Yeah, it sounds like a good idea... until you look at the money generated by it. It's a cash cow. I'd love to see some stats about traffic safety before and after the cameras... I don't know for sure but my guess is not much change. I for one have had to slam on my breaks to avoid rear-ending the guy in front of me who slammed on his breaks because of the cameras... and the light was barely yellow. Safe? Sure, whatever... if you like being in rear-end collision.
J B | Jul 28, 2010 3:58 pm | Request removal
What truly astonishes me is that normal adult American citizens can be so breathtakingly naive and pollyanna regarding the nature of these cameras. Take this comment, for example:
"Enforcing our traffic laws (especially with cameras!) ... reduces the number of collisions, injuries and deaths..."
This is demonstrably not the case.
It's been proven time and again that municipalities deliberately deliberately shorten the yellow caution cycle in order to trap people into being photographed "running a red light." Cha-ching! $$$
Incidentally, this increases the number of rear-end collisions at those intersections, in addition to accomplishing what the cameras were intended for in the first place: to entrap otherwise law-abiding citizens and shake them down for cash.
It's a national disgrace that adults can be so guileless as to trust the motives of Big Brother minded politicians.
Jacques Klahaya | Jul 28, 2010 6:39 pm | Request removal
"The City Council was elected to make these decisions for Mukilteo, and the initiative sponsors want to interfere with the council's business in order to protect red light runners"
I couldn't agree more. Besides, what kind of deterrent is 20$ really going to be?
Beth Meyers | Jul 28, 2010 6:31 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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not a political committee when it is a private citizen paying for represenation with personal funds.
Claire Dunna | Jul 28, 2010 4:35 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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if you break a law and you get caught doing it and there is evidence, then that is your bad. stop playing the blame game people and accept monetary consequences and LEARN your lesson
Mary Glass | Jul 28, 2010 3:07 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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The lesson I'm learning, is that people file suit to prevent voters from having a say, REGARDLESS of the underlying reason. What lesson are you learning?
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 3:16 pm | Request removal
Eyman is frankly just crazy. Anything he's for I'm almost always against. He never gets it right. In this case, there's a solid logic behind it too. I think the suit has some traction and I'd look forward to seeing some cameras come into play.
Scott Franks | Jul 28, 2010 2:52 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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There's a solid logic behind what? The cameras, the lawsuit to stop the residents of Mukilteo from voting on what they want for their city, or something else.
I have no beef with cameras. Only a beef with Ms. Preston taking away my ability to decide.
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 3:12 pm | Request removal
It's about the people's right to vote on the initiative!! Is that so hard to understand? What we're lacking in this country today, at all levels, to include the Congress, local elected "representatives" and citizens, is a fundemental understanding of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. We have come so far from what the Founding Fathers envisioned and incorporated into those documents that many people do not even understand what the government (politicians) control and what they don't. Whenever an elected "representative" or civil servant says "we don't have to listen to the people", you should be very concerned. And those words have been uttered more than once in Mukilteo. Not a good sign and launching a lawsuit to thwart the will of the people is just another step toward tyranny. Read your history....get a clue.
ekunigon | Jul 28, 2010 2:07 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Government derives its power from the consent of the people.
If the government implements a law, ordinance, or policy with which the people do not agree, what recourse is open to the people?
Elections - but this allows a lot of mischief until the politician can be voted out - maybe.
Recall - a high bar that wasn't intended for policy disagreements.
Intiatives or referendums -Not all communities have this capability, but where they do have the power, they should use it if their government representatives are going in a direction that is contrary to the will of the people.
Lawsuits - a time honored tradition. But not everything needs to go through a court.
Civil disobedience - has worked, and for some there have been penalties, but it usually takes a long time and the outcome is by no means predictable.
Jack D | Jul 28, 2010 1:14 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Just as the suit serves the sole purpose of letting the city implement its plan. I suspect Ms. Preston was very careful in her lawsuit to avoid running the risk that no initiatives could be brought before the voters, only those that she opposes. So, your point is???
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 12:55 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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I completely support this group. While it seems rediculous to have to sue to let your local governments do their jobs, it is the only way.
The whole point of the initiative is to bog down the process and force the city to fail to implement its plan.
Since the red light cameras only impact people breaking the law, why are so many people worried?
Perhaps this entire thing is about trying to destroy government at a local and state level? Seems as good a theory as any.
While I commonly disagree with many other folks about political occurances, I rarely run into as dangerous, and anticivil a group as the initiative crowd run by Eyman.
I guess they are using the government process to their advantage, so you could call their methodology intellegent, but reaping the rewards of government, while campaigning to kill it seems like a very backwards solution to the issues they complain about.
Nate Hart | Jul 28, 2010 12:41 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Let's get real here...what is really at stake is the actual Initiative Process. You don't have to like what one proposes, but let the people decide! Love him or hate him, Tim Eyman is using his rights given by the US Constitution and god bless him for that!
You must not agree with any of the following because they all came about through the Initiative Process:
Womens' Right to Vote
Politicians Elected through Direct Primaries
The Eight-hour Work Day
The abolishment of Poll Taxes
The adoption and abolishment of Prohibition
and the end of Racial Preference in Government hiring and contracting
As an aside...I am patently against red-light cameras because they do nothing to improve safety! You cannot make something more safe by fining citizens...the only real outcome is Revenue Generation. Before one of our Government entities gets in bed with a private traffic camera company I would much prefer them to try such things as delayed timing at problem intersections. Simply delaying the cross-traffic green-light will do more to prevent collisions and accidents and cost less to taxpayers.
MechEngr | Jul 28, 2010 12:16 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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In terms of accident reduction, your post would be consistent with another out-of-state person who said their city reduced the number of cameras and increased the time between lights, as the increased time between lights was a time proven method of reducing accidents. Assuming this person was truthful, your post is consistent with the out-of-state findings.
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 12:27 pm | Request removal
The red light cameras will generate $$money$$. That's why the people in Mukilteo want them. I don't always like the guy, but Eyeman is right on this one... the poeple should vote on it.
Speaking from experience, many of the people who live in the Muk are more concerned about their pocketbooks than being neighborly or at least decent. It doesn't suprise me that this group has formed. I'll bet a bunch of old wealthy long time Mukilteo residents are a part of it, mad that their beloved city is not perfect like they think it should be. Upset that they don't have the majority of the vote, they formed this group to try to force the city to go with their side. They are all a bunch of cowards trying to hide behind Ms. Preston, who is nothing more than a puppet-posterchild for this group. That's why I moved out of the Muk and back to Everett... where my neighbors don't look down at me because I don't own a brand new car, boat and RV to go along with my 5 bedroom empty nest.
J B | Jul 28, 2010 10:27 am | 2 replies | Request removal
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JB your "analysis of Mukilteo" is a joke. Lots of people who live in Mukilteo don't want the cameras. I live in Mukilteo, please shut up and quit telling me how I am and how I think.
Kirk Kelley | Jul 28, 2010 11:25 am | Request removal
Kirk... wow. Short fuse, yeah?
Sorry to upset you, I didn't mean to tell you how you are or what to think; I don't know you so I can't do that. I was just speculating about who might be behind this group. I didn't say ALL people who live in Mukilteo want red light cameras. I said "many of the people who live in the Muk are more concerned about their pocketbooks..."
Not an analysis... This is an opinion which I'd formed while I lived in Mukilteo for 3 and a half years and delt with snobby neighbors who wouldn't give me the time of day. IT'S MY OPINION, no need to be so upset over it.
And by the way, I'm on your side about the cameras.
J B | Jul 28, 2010 12:08 pm | Request removal
I for one will just stop going to Mukilteo and stop spending any of my money in the resteraunts and shops in that town. If I can't vote on a ballot against those red light cameras I will vote with my pocket book.
That is too bad, I really like the Diamond Knot brewery, but when the cameras get installed they will not be getting any more of my money.
Max Newman | Jul 28, 2010 10:12 am | 2 replies | Request removal
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Awe, c'mon Max! Don't let Diamond Knot suffer because it's in the Muk... insist that the bar by your house put it on tap!
J B | Jul 28, 2010 10:47 am | Request removal
Max,, My grandfather showed me one day at the breakfast table how much one person would be missed tomorrow. He told me to put the end of my finger in my coffee look at it very closely then pull it out and see how much difference it made. I said none, he said that is how much you will be missed tomorrow.
I would put your anger aside and keep going for good food and beer. Its not really that big a deal bud. :-)
R R | Jul 28, 2010 11:30 am | Request removal
As for my opinion Tim Eymen is only in this for a good paycheck he is getting from all these Tax cut idea's he runs. Maybe Taxes arn't fair and maybe they need reform, but Taxes are what runs this country. I prefer good roads and medical aid and police to the alternatives.
As for the Cameras, I agree with their use. But I do think they need to be adj. for Right hand turns (as long as you stop. And the city should have to pay for your time if you have to fight one).
I also agree with the use of Speed cams. I choose to drive the speed limit and should not be tailgated by jerks becuase of it. I didn't make the speed limit but I will follow it.
Not my fault. | Jul 28, 2010 10:17 am | 2 replies | Request removal
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Not my fault:
Keep in mind that this isn't about Eyman or the red light cameras. This is about Ms. Preston's organization taking away the right of the residents of Mukilteo to vote on what they feel is in their best interest. While you may disagree with the underlying issue (red light cameras), that should not be the basis for whether or not you want the voters to have a say. To think otherwise is inevitably a position of hypocrisy, as a future issue you wish to vote on may not reach you as a result of someone suing to keep it off the ballot.
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 10:35 am | Request removal
Help me under stand how Tim is getting a pay check from any of this. I would really like to know. Yes taxes are needed but when the person running the state doesnt have a clue how to use the money wisely I guess the only way to have the peoples voice heard is to file a initiative to do so.
We all saw what the Governor did with the last one passed. She Took it and tossed it in the toliet and enforced her own rule. Even though it was the people who filed it, passed it and what the people wanted.
She holds us all in disreguard and could care less what the people of this state want. For that fact alone she needs to be replaced.
I would love to hear any good reasons for her actions because I just dont get it. Like I said before help me understand why and how she is able to get away with she did. Thank you very much
R R | Jul 28, 2010 11:12 am | Request removal
Tim is doing what needs to be done to get the politicians to listen to the people, and not just make laws that feed their coffers. As stated before, If red light cameras worked to stop people from running red lights, then there would be less money comming in instead of more. The cameras in Lynnwood however are all about catching people doing what is legal anywhere else in the state and making it illegal. The 196th St camera makes it illegal to make a free right turn, even after a stop. The sign says full stop required on red. So we stop, then make a free right turn...gotcha!!! Every one who turns gets a $124 ticket in the mail 2 weeks later. Everyone who comes down to shop at Alderwood Mall gets to pay the city $124 to drive to the mall. I don't understand how this can be legal. They should have to change the drivers ed manuals saying that it is legal to take a FREE right turn after a stop everywhere in the state EXCEPT IN LYNNWOOD WASHINGTON WHERE IT WILL COST $124.
So, Mr Eyeman keep up the good work, I for one am tired of being ripped off by the government, because these red light camera's are all about the money!!!
Marty Glaser | Jul 28, 2010 9:54 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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about all the red light runners she's allegedly witnessed.
Ms. Preston, if you feel so strongly about public safety, have you taken the time to do your civic duty to complain to the Mukilteo Police Department about your concerns, PRIOR to filing this lawsuit? If so, then, and only then, would I be inclined to believe that you're doing this out of a sense of concern for public safety. If you haven't previously filed a complaint, then I think you're hard pressed to convince any objective minded reader that you're the least bit concerned about our public safety.
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 9:45 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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I dont see what the fuss is about with red light cameras. If they are generating as much money as has been stated, that simply means they are doing the job they were intended to do.... catch light runners and put them on warning. I have no problem with this, its just another tool to keep our roads safer and remind people to be careful. Eyeman has some good ideas, but I think he is taking things too far. Let our local government govern and stop wasting money with iniatives for the sake for iniatives.
cherl R | Jul 28, 2010 8:05 am | 2 replies | Request removal
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Cherl R Think about what is happening. Its all about the money. Catching the red light runners is not makeing it any safer. Its just sucking money out of our pockets nothing else. Lynnwood has proved this buy makeing more money each year. This shows us the cameras are not keeping people from running red lights or they would not make more money each year if the system worked.
R R | Jul 28, 2010 8:54 am | Request removal
Cheryl:
The problem is simple. This isn't about red light cameras, it's about Ms. Preston's organization taking away the right of the people to vote on the issue. Would you feel the same if I sued to keep you from voting on something you felt was important?
Tom P | Jul 28, 2010 9:36 am | Request removal
Some people want to get in the way of democracy and the peoples rights. They feel that their opinion trumps those of the voters.
This isn't just wrong. It's Un-American!
I appreciate Tim Eyman's efforts to provide me an opportunity to directly have a say in public policy, even when I didn't agree with the initiative.
Sick & Tired | Jul 28, 2010 7:05 am | 4 replies | Request removal
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I got new for ya. Chump Eyman didnt invent the initiative process...he just abuses it. He isnt providing you with ANY opportunities. What is un American is someone who abuses a goverment process meant to serve the people as a means of lining ones own pockets. Dont be a Chump like Eyman.................Michelle, Everett
Michelle Hall | Jul 28, 2010 7:23 am | Request removal
Hey Michelle your childlike name calling is funny. You state Michelle, Everett. Why would you care what goes on in our little city? Tim Is only one of thouasands who see the need to step up and have the voice of the people heard no matter what issue is being addressed. I am thinking whats wrong with that?? Or are you one of those who hate the constitution and what it stands for?? See what happens when you drink the Obama Kool aid.
R R | Jul 28, 2010 8:07 am | Request removal
Wow, Michelle! I did not read anywhere where it was said that Eyman invented the initiative process. That's a pretty far stretch on your part. Your name calling also does not help you bring your point across.
There have been many Eyman initiatives voted down. What he does, is bring the elected officials back to reality and make them realize that it's about 'We the people' not 'You the politicians'.
I don't agree with everything he does, either, but these red light cameras are more about money than they are about public safety. If they actually worked, then the numbers posted about Lynnwood would have been way less than $2.2M during the first five months. That's on track to make $5.3M for the year. Remember they made $4.5M their first year. Then they have people tell us these cameras are making the streets safer. The numbers tell a different story.
P W | Jul 28, 2010 8:12 am | Request removal
I met tim Eyman lasy week at a little leauge game. His heart and head are in the right place. I got your back Tim
David Williams | Jul 28, 2010 9:31 am | Request removal
eyman is right, and his initiative reflects the views of most folk's, let this gal, and her elite cronies run around a ball field, or one of the taxpayer's funded trail's, sounds like she spends a lot of time on the streets,standing on a corner maby.
bob noble | Jul 28, 2010 9:28 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Probably bankrolled by the city because their greed wants the revenue.
Homer Remoh | Jul 28, 2010 8:13 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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