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NEWS
| November 4, 2003
Arlington
Residents to vote on controversial
cameras
Separating the cameras from other
projects may help them pass, some say.
By Jake
Davis
Contributor to The Shorthorn
Arlington residents will vote today on a controversial proposition
for the installation of traffic management cameras at major city
intersections.
This is the city’s second effort this year to initiate the
installation of cameras that are expected to improve traffic flow
and air quality. Proposition 2 replaces the earlier proposition
6, which was shot down in February’s election and in turn
prevented the passage of funding for Interstate 30 construction.
Officials think that cutting the number of cameras in half —
from 44 to 22 — will help win votes because of reduced cost.
The camera installation is also listed on its own so voters can
decide on the cameras independently of the street improvements.
In the original proposition 6, the cameras were tied to the I-30
expansion and to inner-city street projects.
Isolating the traffic cameras in a single proposition is a good
idea, said Chris Brosovic, electrical engineering junior and University
Democrats vice president.
“The traffic cameras were the only reason the old proposition
was shot down,” he said. “The city needs the I-30 expansion.
It wouldn’t be good to risk on one big package.”
The community debated the viability of cameras before and throughout
the February election. Community members were worried the cameras
would be used for surveillance and thought them to be “big
brother” tactics. Officials say worries about the cameras’
use should be disregarded.
“The cameras are not meant for law enforcement and are not
even being recorded,” District 5 Councilwoman Lana Wolff said.
Wolff said the cameras will not be used as a revenue generator,
a concern of some city organizations, and will do nothing but improve
travel quality for Arlington drivers.
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