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* This made the rounds of social media over the weekeend…
Heh.
* But Dunkin ain’t giving up. Far from it…
State Rep. Ken Dunkin wants House Speaker Mike Madigan to let legislators vote on a bill that would eliminate red-light cameras and speed cameras in Illinois, pointing to the recent federal bribery conviction of a former Chicago official who helped establish the city’s red-light camera program.
“All I’m asking today is for Speaker Mike Madigan to call House Bill 141 that’s been held hostage in the Rules Committee since last spring,” Dunkin, a South Side Democrat, said at a news conference Sunday at the corner of 76th and Stony Island in the shadow of a red-light camera. […]
Dunkin claimed the cameras are a money-making scheme, do not improve safety and were born of corruption that was evidenced by the recent conviction of former Chicago Transportation Department official John Bills, who accepted bribes to steer business to the company that established red-light cameras in Chicago. […]
“There’s no (legislative) member in their right mind who would not support this legislation,” said Dunkin, who noted the highly unpopular red-light and speed camera programs allow for residents “to be gouged and to be played by the scam of the century.”
That’s a smart move. Obviously, red light and speed cams are hugely unpopular. Whenever former West Side state Sen. Rickey Hendon had a tough race (or was doing ads for someone who did) he’d always highlight his (or his candidate’s) opposition to red light cams. It’s a great issue.
* However, there are two glaring omissions in the above story.
1) During the 2011 veto session, the General Assembly took up this issue…
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is lobbying hard for a bill that would allow the city to use red light cameras to catch speeders near school zones and parks.
The measure quickly passed the Senate two weeks ago, but some representatives say it could face stiffer opposition in the House, which is expected to vote this week.
The House passed that bill, SB 965, by a vote of 64-50. Wanna guess who one of those “Yes” votes was in that relatively close roll call? Yep. You’re right.
2) The vast majority of spending in Dunkin’s primary has been done by a group called IllinoisGO. That group is run by Greg Goldner, who was hired early on by RedFlex…
The O’Malley commissions also went to pay for an Arizona condominium, a speedboat, a Mercedes-Benz, even Bills’ June 2011 retirement party when he left the city and soon took a job on Redflex’s payroll working with Resolute Consulting. The consulting firm, owned by longtime Chicago political power broker Greg Goldner, was hired by Redflex around the same time the company was pushing to expand its red light cameras to include speed cameras.
Just to be super clear here, nobody has ever suggested that Goldner did anything unethical or illegal. I’m not making that suggestion either, and neither should you.
But at least we now know that IllinoisGO is most definitely not coordinating with Dunkin’s campaign messaging.
/snark
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:24 am
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I’m surprised that KD is coming down on the red lights. Red seems to be his favorite color lately;) /s
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:30 am
Gosh, that Dunkin is such a piece of work!! He knows that people will not remember how he voted on that bill, so he will come out and scream for the removal of the cameras that he approved. He will do just about anything to get attention these days. Actually, I’m surprised that there wasn’t a tennis tournament out of state when that vote was taken./s
Comment by Big Joe Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:34 am
If the Unions, Social Services and Advocates and Democrats want a Raunerite in the Democratic House Caucus.
IllinoisGO is helping that stranger move into the HDem House for 2 more years.
That’s real, these are the signs… Hmm, signs
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:35 am
Dunkin’s campaign slogan: “I was for it before Rauner told me I am against it.”
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:36 am
As curious as I am about the origins of Dunkin’s campaign funding, I’m even more curious to know from whence he gets his moxie.
Comment by Dome Gnome Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:38 am
pride always precedeth the fall.
Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:38 am
He gets his moxie from Rauner.
Comment by Union Leader Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:39 am
I had a voicemail.robo call on my cell yesterday from Jesse White, urging me to support KD’s opponent..
Comment by Not Rich Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:49 am
Overall voting record- https://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/33962/kenneth-dunkin#.Vq-bq3LUiic.
Just in case you want an easy way to keep “score” in the months to come.
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:55 am
Durkins next caucus should be fun
Comment by Langhorne Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:57 am
Of course red light cameras are about money. Does Dunkin want the city to raise $150 million in extra taxes to replace the dough from the cameras?
I don’t think so. But he sure knows how to pander.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 11:59 am
A couple years ago, the red light cameras were viewed as contributing to safety, and a revenue source. Both, with the revenue source decreasing over time as people slowed down and were more careful. Those were both supportable objectives. Now we know that safety isn’t enhanced, and the revenue Is now relied upon. I see no issue with changing your mind on this now that we’ve learned more about it. Put on top of that the corruption, and I’ve changed my mind on it as well. Call the vote, Mr. Speaker.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 12:05 pm
Is this a real sign? Are there more of them?
Comment by Soccermom Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 12:11 pm
Wonder who bought the signs.
Comment by burbanite Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 12:20 pm
This may be a completely insignificant non-issue but does anyone have an opinion as to why Rauner’s political party is noted on the sign but Dunkin’s isn’t?
Comment by Cubs in '16 Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 12:33 pm
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/June-2011/GTCRs-Bruce-Rauner-Talks-Investments/
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 12:57 pm
My Ken Dunkin yard sign says “Ken Dunkin Loves Soy Milk”
Comment by siriusly Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:00 pm
>
Isn’t he still suppose to be Plantation Camping outside MJMs Capitol office?
Comment by Pink E Kent Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:09 pm
Cubs…its to align Ken with the Republican party in his heavily Democratic district. Not a non issue at all. It’s THE issue. It’s not a compliment.
Comment by sideline watcher Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:13 pm
I’ve caught up now. Thanks sideline watcher.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:26 pm
When will Dunkin’s position as president of the Nickelback fan club come to light?
Comment by Soccermom Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 1:56 pm
The other side of this sign says “paid for by friends of Juliana Stratton”
Comment by Huh Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:20 pm
James Meeks, Corey Brooks, Ken Dunkin - who’s next up for Bruce to pick off?
Comment by jt Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:34 pm
Time for the voters to put up a red light on Dunkin’s tenure.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Drivers are getting worse and worse. Something must be done to stop speeding and red light running.
Without cameras, what is your solution?
Comment by Formerpol Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 2:49 pm
Former, how about the police?
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 4:25 pm
Support Rep. Dunkin on red light camera removal regardless of his motives. Got my first boot in Chicago a couple of summers ago, what an experience.
Went to the City payment center the next morning to settle before I got towed. The accounting room was filled with working class people who had to take the day off work to deal with tickets. I signed the form to contest because I never got any notice in the mail and had no idea I had three tickets outstanding.
Went in front of the administrative law judge, who is really just a hack lawyer who took a class. He told me that five notices went out, but they don’t send any mail certified, so there’s no proof of service. The whole process is basically a shadow system that looks like justice but isn’t.
$798.00 for three tickets including the boot fee! The red light racket is a scam that preys on the poor and working class, like currency exchanges and rent to own furniture stores. Flush the red light cameras in Illinois.
Comment by Payback Monday, Feb 1, 16 @ 4:51 pm
LOL… Details have never been Dunkin’s thing.
Comment by low level Tuesday, Feb 2, 16 @ 7:20 am