Local Red light camera election ruled invalid!!!

Discussion in 'Other News' started by drvrtech77, Jun 17, 2011.

  1. drvrtech77

    drvrtech77 Road Train Member

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    http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8196710

    HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There's a major development in the legal battle over Houston's red light cameras. A judge has ruled last November's red light cameras charter amendment vote is invalid.
    The ruling came down from U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes today. However, this does not mean that the red light cameras will be turned back on and tickets will be issued immediately.
    Judge Hughes' ruling reads in part, "The charter itself and Texas law limit the ability of citizens to initiate changes to the city's charter and ordinances. The nature of the proposition was to repeal a single ordinance about techniques for enforcing traffic laws. It was done beyond the time limit in the charter for repealing an ordinance."
    Voters wanted them out, but the cameras have remained in place while the battle is being fought in federal court between the city of Houston and ATS, the camera vendor. The city is hoping to avoid paying damages to the company for dropping the contract.
    Mayor Annise Parker issued a statement saying, "Judge Hughes' ruling means that we have several options to consider. I will consult with City Attorney Dave Feldman and City Council members as we deliberate the future of the red light camera program in Houston. Right now the cameras continue to monitor intersections, but no tickets are being issued."
    Paul Kubosh, a lawyer who led the fight against the cameras, told us today's ruling is "judicial activism at its worst."

    ATS released a statement as well, that read, "We are still reviewing the judge's ruling and further analyzing its' implications. However, we have always questioned whether the proper procedure was followed by the petitioners. This ruling affirms our belief that the election was not proper and sets an important precedent."
     
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  3. delta5

    delta5 Road Train Member

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    The state of Virginia made the cameras illegal about a year ago. Funny thing is they were already installed everywhere. Lots of wasted money there LOL
     
    I_HATE_MINIVANS Thanks this.
  4. Svoray

    Svoray Medium Load Member

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    Yes sir, San Francisco had a similar law suit that rule it unconstitutional under their law.
     
  5. I_HATE_MINIVANS

    I_HATE_MINIVANS Heavy Load Member

    Yeah but that's San Francisco. Who cares? I'm still impatiently waiting for "the big one". Buy some ocean-front property in Nevada. :biggrin_2559:
     
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