December 12, 2012 -- Michael "Mike" E. Carter was the first to declare candidacy for Wentzville's municipal judge today at city hall.
In a strange twist, the incumbent judge Martin did not file yesterday, which was actually the first day to file for the office. This means Carter will be placed first on the ballot.
Carter only said of Martin that he hopes the current judge is "re-thinking his campaigning approach of 2011. I (carter) never bought into negative campaigning."
Carter says his campaign will focus on three main issues:
1) Carter's helping rid Wentzville of red-light cameras;
2) His ensuring the court focuses on justice before revenue; AND
3) Carter wants to get every Wentzville voter a copy of the U.S. Constitution -- he says it worked for him and he'll make sure it works for everyone before his bench.
Political, Situational, and other News Affecting Wentzville, St. Charles County, St. Louis Metropolitan, Missouri, and the Nation as a Whole.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Former Wentzville Judge Helps Rid Community of Red-Light Cameras
Wentzville MO Rejects Red-Light Cameras, Former Judge and Lt. Gov. Candidate Carter Plays Role
Voting against renewal, Wentzville aldermen cited the necessity of officer discretion at traditional in-person red-light traffic stops and referenced the inconclusive nature of Wentzville Police Chief's red-light camera accident prevention data
Wentzville, MO , March 15, 2012- Wentzville Aldermen last night voted unanimously against renewing the city's red-light camera contract. In spite of the fact that city staff indicated the contract didn't end until the middle of 2013, the city's police chief recommended renewal and the mayor moved to table the discussion, the aldermen; nonetheless, after little discussion, made their intentions clear.
"Politicians take credit for whatever they can, right? I was at last night's meeting for this vote specifically with my daughter -- she gets good marks in civics class. Wentzville's mayor routinely criticized me about red-light cameras when I was the city's judge. I recall Mayor Lambi telling reporters that the only reason I was elected judge was because I sent out a mailer sensitive to red-light cameras. I really never understood his take. I won that election with two-thirds of the vote; so, given the mayor's reasoning, wouldn't that mean the citizens didn't want them? I am proud to have kept the issue at the forefront in Wentzville -- ask around, there's no doubt my name is synonymous with red-light-camera concern."
Carter has done millions of robo calls across Missouri asking Missouri voters about their thoughts on red-light cameras. He says he is always surprised that those for and against red-light cameras appear to split nearly right down the middle. However, "the citizens against traffic camera technology are far more vocal and irritated than their counterparts,"
The Missouri Lieutenant Governor candidate has made no secret of his disdain for red-light cameras. He seeks a statewide ban against them much like the State of Mississippi currently has and that Iowa & Colorado are very close to passing. Carter says he feels encouraged that other states like Arizona and many cities on the west coast are moving away from the camera-ticketing technologies.
In voting against renewal, some Wentzville aldermen cited the necessity of officer discretion at traditional in-person red-light traffic stops, while mayoral candidates Tow and Guccione referenced the inconclusive nature of Wentzville Police Chief Harrison's red-light camera accident prevention data.
Carter said it's worth noting that Wentzville city attorney Paul Rost warned the aldermen that voting out the red-light camera service provider, RedFlex, would no doubt result in renewed RedFlex attempts to "woo" the aldermen to change their opinions.
"Politicians take credit for whatever they can, right? I was at last night's meeting for this vote specifically with my daughter -- she gets good marks in civics class. Wentzville's mayor routinely criticized me about red-light cameras when I was the city's judge. I recall Mayor Lambi telling reporters that the only reason I was elected judge was because I sent out a mailer sensitive to red-light cameras. I really never understood his take. I won that election with two-thirds of the vote; so, given the mayor's reasoning, wouldn't that mean the citizens didn't want them? I am proud to have kept the issue at the forefront in Wentzville -- ask around, there's no doubt my name is synonymous with red-light-camera concern."
Carter has done millions of robo calls across Missouri asking Missouri voters about their thoughts on red-light cameras. He says he is always surprised that those for and against red-light cameras appear to split nearly right down the middle. However, "the citizens against traffic camera technology are far more vocal and irritated than their counterparts,"
The Missouri Lieutenant Governor candidate has made no secret of his disdain for red-light cameras. He seeks a statewide ban against them much like the State of Mississippi currently has and that Iowa & Colorado are very close to passing. Carter says he feels encouraged that other states like Arizona and many cities on the west coast are moving away from the camera-ticketing technologies.
In voting against renewal, some Wentzville aldermen cited the necessity of officer discretion at traditional in-person red-light traffic stops, while mayoral candidates Tow and Guccione referenced the inconclusive nature of Wentzville Police Chief Harrison's red-light camera accident prevention data.
Carter said it's worth noting that Wentzville city attorney Paul Rost warned the aldermen that voting out the red-light camera service provider, RedFlex, would no doubt result in renewed RedFlex attempts to "woo" the aldermen to change their opinions.