A little over a month ago Smithtown resident Democrat Jason Zove announced his candidacy for New York State Assemblyperson in the 8th Assembly District. The position is currently held by Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick. Even though the election is seven months away, Zove wants to let people know why he is the best person to represent them in the NYS Assembly.
Zove released the following statement on School Zone Speed Cameras:
Legislation for school-zone speed cameras was passed by the New York State Assembly on Monday, April 28, by a vote of 103-24, and was later passed by the New York State Senate on Wednesday, April 30. The bill authorizes 56 speed cameras for Nassau County and 69 speed cameras in Suffolk County, one per public school district. Under the new law, cameras must be located within ¼ mile of the school and the cameras will only be turned on to detect speeders from 7am-4:10pm.
“I commend Long Island’s lawmakers in the State Assembly for working across the aisle to vote in favor of speed cameras in school zones and allow Suffolk and Nassau counties to take the lead in protecting our kids,” said Zove. “The passing of this vital legislation proves that safety is not a democratic or republican issue, and I am confident these speed cameras will better ensure the safety of our children across Long Island.”
Mr. Fitzpatrick was the only Assemblyman from all of Long Island who opposed this legislation, stating that the approval of this bill and the implementation of this initiative is only about revenue.
“To say that this program is only about raising money is absolutely ludicrous and completely ignores the importance of protecting our children which is always a top priority as a public official,” said Zove. “I am extremely disappointed that Mr. Fitzpatrick chose to serve his own political agenda and failed to put our kids first. The residents of the 8th Assembly District deserve a representative who will fight to protect us and make safety the primary objective.”
Zove said that he has been listening to the public and understands the concerns constiuents have about the speed cameras. He agrees with those who believe that in areas where cameras are installed, “clear warning signs should be posted at every speed camera location. This will provide residents and commuters ample time to slow down as they approach a school zone where children and pedestrians might be crossing.”
“I want to thank all of the long island assemblymen who put our children and our safety first above politics,” said Zove.