---

         On August 6, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law Bill A4950B, amending current traffic laws and permitting school districts and transportation companies–in coordination with local counties and municipalities–to install safety cameras on school buses to record traffic violations. This measure is sure to have a positive impact on school bus safety, but under this new law, all of the revenue is allocated back to the government. 

         The Suffolk County Legislature, on September 4, 2019, laid on the table Resolution 1812 which puts up an October vote for the adoption of the new traffic laws. The following letter requests that the Suffolk County Legislature adopt the law but with a portion of the revenue being allocated towards the safety and education of our children. The letter was sent to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Legislators as well as local state representatives. 

October 1, 2019

Suffolk County Executive 

Steven Bellone

CC: Members of the Suffolk County Legislature

The Honorable Steven Bellone and Members of the Suffolk County Legislature,

            I respectfully request the following considerations in your review of Suffolk County Introductory Resolution 1812, the school bus photo violation system scheduled for discussion at the County Legislature on October 2, 2019.  It is my sincere appeal to you that this legislation falls short in both its eventual result and its misguided principles.

            Being promoted as a safety measure, this legislation does not strengthen current traffic laws but, rather, describes a method for the collection of revenue from such traffic violations.  I find it ethically troubling that none of the revenue collected from protecting our children is allocated to them, their safety, or their education.  This provides yet another example of well-intentioned legislation that falls short due to the promise of increased revenue.

            Those with understanding about good government should have cause for concern when an elected body surrenders its constitutional power and responsibility to tax, fine, or collect fees.  This is especially true when such actions infringe upon the sanctity of our education system.  Since being passed in Albany, this state-wide legislation sets a precedent that not only empowers but burdens school boards to decide upon revenue for local government by using their respective school districts as the vessel for its collection. 

            It is my belief that while most of these issues are not mutually exclusive, at the very least, our school districts should be the recipient, either directly or indirectly, of a portion of the revenues collected.  To do otherwise represents the use of our children’s safety for the purpose of increasing government revenue.  This is in stark contrast to the priority of the education and safety of our children that Suffolk County prides itself on.

            As a father of two school-aged daughters, a school board member, and a lifelong Suffolk County taxpayer, I ask for your sincere consideration in amending this resolution or accompanying legislation to better provide for our children and fellow residents of Suffolk County.  We don’t have to become an echo of Albany.  Suffolk County can and should do better.

Thank you for your consideration,

Christopher Paolillo