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Letters: School cameras like a new tax

Suffolk County asked state legislators for permission to

Suffolk County asked state legislators for permission to install speed cameras in dozens of school zones -- a program that supporters said would increase safety for children and raise an estimated $6.8 million a year for the county. Credit: Courtesy of Xerox

Let's tell it like it is: The proposal for speed cameras in school zones is nothing but a new tax ["Eye on speed cameras," News, April 23]. After months of calling the idea a revenue raiser, our elected officials are now saying that it is for safety. Anytime you reach into the taxpayers' pockets for more money, it's a tax!

Legis. Thomas F. Barraga (R-West Islip) said, "the bottom line is, we need dollars."

If anyone believes the fine will remain at $50, then he or she should invest in the Shoreham nuclear plant.

I would like Newsday to print the names of all the state and Suffolk legislators who vote for the school camera tax. At the next election, I will vote against every one who voted for the proposal, regardless of party affiliation. The people in Nassau should do the same.

Thomas Duignan, West Islip

Wouldn't it be more cost-efficient to have the police, who we are already paying, set up speed traps and vary locations? The money the cameras would cost could be put to better use.

Also, would it really be necessary to have the speed limits enforced all day, even while children are in school? Florida has a system where the slower speeds are enforced when yellow lights are blinking, and that is mostly during drop-off and pick-up times.

This method really works. Traffic does slow down. What's next, cameras and fines for speed walking?

Larry Ring, Coram