Update on Photo Radar on Loop 101 in Scottsdale

From the EV Trib:

Bill gives 101 camera profit to DPS

A Scottsdale lawmaker plans to sponsor a bill that would prevent the city from financially profiting from the Loop 101 photo enforcement program, a move that would end a fiscal argument often cited by critics who oppose the cameras.

Recently re-elected LD8 Rep. Michele Reagan (R-Scottsdale) plans to sponsor a bill that would let the city recoup its costs from administering the program but force it to forward any profits to the Department of Public Safety.

Assuming it goes through, this is NOT something that will endear Rep. Reagan to the powers-that-be with the City of Scottsdale.

They do not look kindly upon ANYBODY, even a prominent Republican, messing with one of their revenue streams.

There has been speculation that Rep. Reagan is going to challenge Harry Mitchell in 2008 for the CD5 seat in Congress; if she is serious about this bill, it could undermine support for any Congressional run. While municipal politics and partisan politics usually don't have much overlap, half of the members of the Scottsdale City Council are elected Republican PCs and State Committee members.

On the other hand, Rep. Reagan, her mom Donna (outgoing LD8 chair for the Republicans) and her dad Michael (JP, McDowell Mountain Pct.) are very popular among the Republicans of north Scottsdale.

And yes, they're more popular than the Mayor and City Council.

However it should be noted that at this point, George W. Bush, with his 30-odd percent approval rating, may be more popular than Scottsdale's Mayor and City Council.

In other photo-radar related news, on January 16, 2007, the Scottsdale City Council will hear the "Loop 101 Photo Enforcement Final Technical Evaluation Report. "

It should be an interesting evening, though a long one - while so far, there's only one item on the Council's regular agenda for the evening (the photo radar report), right now there are 33 items (33!!) on the consent agenda, and at least two or three of those are going to be contentious.

Expect a four hour meeting. :((

Later!