UPDATED: Speed camera legislation fails
Just a day after it looked as if Maryland was poised to expand the use of speed cameras to zones around schools throughout the state, the Maryland Senate turned back the contentious plan by a single vote.
On Tuesday, the Senate gave preliminary approval to a speed camera expansion bill, unexpectedly adopting an amendment that broadened a narrow version that came out of a committee by allowing them within a half-mile radius of all schools. The schools amendment came from Sen. James Robey, a Howard County Democrat.
But on Wednesday, several senators reversed themselves -- when some of those who voted for the school-zone plan decided to vote against the final bill. The plan went down to a surprising defeat late Wednesday.
Speed cameras are currently authorized just in Montgomery County, under a pilot program. Gov. Martin O'Malley supports a statewide expansion.
UPDATE:
The voting lists are in. Four lawmakers switched their votes between Tuesday and Wednesday. They include Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, a master of the legislative process and an opponent of the cameras, and Sen. Ulysses Currie of Prince George's County, a committee chairman who often votes Miller's way. Both are Democrats. The other two: Sen. Bobby Zirkin, a Democrat; and Sen. Rich Colburn, a Republican:
Robey amendment to include school bills – Tuesday vote – 26 yes, 19 no, 2 absent
Voting yes:
Miller, Colburn, Conway, Currie, Exum, Forehand, Frosh, Garagiola, Gladden, Harrington, Jones, Kasemeyer, Klausmeier, Kramer, Lenett, Madaleno, McFadden, Middleton, Muse, Peters, Pinsky, Pugh, Raskin, Robey, Rosapepe, Zirkin
Voting no
Astle, Brinkley, Brochin, DeGrange, Della, Dyson, Edwards, Greenip, Haines, Harris, Kelley, King, Kittleman, Mooney, Munson, Pipkin, Simonaire, Stotzfus, Stone
Absent:
Glassman, Jacobs
Final passage of speed camera plan on Wednesday – 23 yes, 24 no
Voting yes:
Conway, Exum, Forehand, Frosh, Garagiola, Gladden, Harrington, Jones, Kasemeyer, Klausmeier, Kramer, Lenett, Madaleno, McFadden, Middleton, Munson, Muse, Peters, Pinsky, Pugh, Raskin, Robey, Rosapepe
Voting no:
Miller, Astle, Brinkley, Brochin, Colburn, Currie, DeGrange, Della, Dyson, Edwards, Glassman, Greenip, Haines, Harris, Jacobs, Kelley, King, Kittleman, Mooney, Pipkin, Simonaire, Stoltzfus, Stone, Zirkin
Comments
Good
Posted by: Carole | April 2, 2009 8:31 AM
I think it is good that this did not pass. What this would have caused is more variations in speed as people slow down for the camera. This will cause more problems then if people travel at a consistent speed.
Think about it this way when a police car is stopped on the side of the road how often does the person in front jam on the brakes and you are forced to do the same.
Posted by: Anonymous | April 2, 2009 9:57 AM
I am glad to see in a related article that the Senate reversed itself again and voted for the legislation. If people find it necessary to speed through work zones and school zones, then, they should have to pay for their percieved privilege of BREAKING THE LAW. Yes, driving in excess of the posted limit is breaking the law. Given the number of people I see speeding through these zones on a daily basis, the budget shoftfall should be no more by years end.
Posted by: Chris | April 2, 2009 1:07 PM
Zirkin - spineless or phony? He caves to Omalley on every issue. Votes to cut off debate on the tax increase and then votes no on the bill to pretend he was against the increase. For the death penalty, but votes for Omalley bill to gut it. Now he hides behind wife to vote for speed camera revenue bill and then says 'we'll look at it later'. Is this the best we can send to the Senate?
Posted by: Pete | April 3, 2009 12:15 AM
Pete - Despite your not knowing anything even resembling a fact, you should get off your couch, get from behind the computer, and run for office. I know Senator Zirkin and he has been tremendous for our area. Either learn your facts or keep your gutless mouth shut.
Posted by: anonymous | April 3, 2009 6:36 PM
Pete - - - - So if I have you pegged correctly -- - never had a date in highschool -- kind of a loner - -- tried to rush a fraternity at U.Md but couldn't quite fit in -- - so you found a home in the Young Republican club and chess club - -- now you are kind of lonely except for the internet and kind of bitter and....well Pete -- -stop me when I am wrong...
Posted by: anonymous | April 3, 2009 7:55 PM