Politicians Treating Themselves as "Special People"

[TerryMiller]

I am pretty sure that similar issues arise in all the states, and definitely in the federal government, but here is another example of politicians providing themselves a "special status." Based on the last statement in the story, it is hopeful that Colorado's legislators will be embarrassed enough to fix this issue. All governments ought to be REQUIRED to write legislation where NO ONE is exempted.

Loophole Lets Colorado Lawmakers Avoid Photo Radar Fines

07/13/2013
The Associated Press
The Denver Post

A loophole in state law has allowed Colorado state senators and representatives to avoid photo radar tickets because of special treatment given to lawmakers when they get license plates.

Most license plates are issued to specific vehicles. But license plates for lawmakers are issued to individuals and aren't registered in state computers.

Saying the process isn't fair, Denver police began considering alternatives after an investigation by KCNC-TV that was reported Thursday.

The city has an aggressive photo radar program that sends out millions of dollars in photo radar tickets every year. However, police have not been able to send citations to legislators whose cars carry the special plates.

The problem surfaced when Evonne Estis of Cañon City began receiving photo radar tickets intended for state Sen. Mike Johnston, D-Denver. Police say Johnston was photographed speeding six times in about a year.

His state legislative plate bears the number "33," the district he represents, and was not in the DMV system. No tickets were sent for three of the violations.

The other three were sent to Estis, who has a vanity plate on her SUV that reads "33," her favorite number, the station reported.

"It just so happened that I was receiving the tickets," Estis said.

When KCNC told Johnston what had happened, he said the tickets were not Estis' responsibility and promised to take care of it.

"I sent her a note when I apologized, saying if she gets any photo radar tickets, she should have them sent to me and I'll be happy to pay them for her," Johnston said.

Johnston said he has already paid $160 for the photo radar tickets that were inadvertently sent to Estis.

Johnston also said he favors fixing the problem so lawmakers are treated equally.

Loophole Lets Colorado Lawmakers Avoid Photo Radar Fines

 

[vvvvvvv]

For what it's worth, the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma offers some rather broad privileges for legislators.

 

[ignerntbend]

Legislators have legislating to do and the sooner the better.

 

[Fredkrueger100]

This is nothing unexpected. Many of us have known this for quite some time. Most politicians think themselves above the law. And the way they get away with things, they are. They can do whatever they want with no consequences.

 

[TerryMiller]

For what it's worth, the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma offers some rather broad privileges for legislators.

Yep, that is similar to the federal government's privileges. To a degree, that is some protection from political opponents causing the arrest of a legislator in order to try to effect pending legislation.

I get irritated when they "exempt" themselves, and their staffs, from legislation they pass that applies to all the rest of the country or state.

 

[twoguns?]

Photo speeding ticket = gov overstepping, Bullsh!t

 

[Dave70968]

Yep, that is similar to the federal government's privileges. To a degree, that is some protection from political opponents causing the arrest of a legislator in order to try to effect pending legislation.

I get irritated when they "exempt" themselves, and their staffs, from legislation they pass that applies to all the rest of the country or state.

This. I'm actually in favor of the (limited) privilege from arrest, for this very reason. It doesn't mean they have a lifetime privilege, just while in session.

 

[Defnestor]

If you're this upset about speeding tickets, how upset will you be when you look into who's exempt from asset forfeiture laws?

 

[TerryMiller]

This was just the latest (at the time of posting) example of law makers creating exemptions for themselves. That does not mean that my concern was only for this one event. I've long been opposed to them getting special treatment, especially with regards to their pensions and benefits.

Perhaps you missed my comment about law makers not being able to exempt anyone?

 

[Defnestor]

Unless we have an "American Spring", lawmakers of every level will continue to distract the sheep with sweetgrass while shearing them,... and voting to exempt themselves from laws meant to keep us common folk in line.