As one of those out-of-town “criminals,” I would like to share my own opinion.

People living in areas allowing them to bypass the “unfriendly streets” of Auburn, go out of their way to do so.

I suspect the cameras at the stop lights are catching more honest citizens than “criminals” and “scofflaws.”

There are studies showing the cameras actually cause more accidents (Los Angeles and Texas). You can get studies to prove anything. I think Auburn obtained the studies justifying the cameras.

Were they actual Auburn experiences?

The speed camera at Chinook Elementary School, however, serves only one purpose: it collects money. There is no justification other than that.

The school crosswalk is 357 feet from the road (state RCWs require this to be within 300 feet before a city can impose the 20-mph speed limit). There are no crosswalks on State Route 164 where the 20-mph speed limit is camera enforced. The playground is 360 feet from the building and is surrounded by a 6-foot high chain link fence.

We have sent four of our children through Chinook Elementary (pre camera) – all unscathed – and several grandkids. Teachers would have to “herd” their students the 350 feet up the side road to put them in harm’s way.

Each camera costs the City a minimum of $4,870 per month, increasing at increments of $1,000 depending on the number of citations issued.

“More than Than You Imagined?” You bet.

– Dennis E. Swanson