October Legislative Update
Dear friends,
Let me start by encouraging everyone to get involved in the presidential election in any way you can. Make calls. Send texts or postcards. Come join me on a bus to Pennsylvania next weekend to knock on doors. And of course VOTE!
October Legislation
I want to provide an exciting legislative update from our October City Council meeting. I have been advocating for months to introduce School Bus Stop-Arm Cameras to Rochester, and it passed last week. To read the full legislation scroll to page 186 for Introductory 412.
One of my commitments to this community is to provide practical solutions to the crisis of safety on our streets. We continue to see too much reckless driving, with too few consequences for drivers. That is precisely why I worked with Mayor Evans to develop a Vision Zero plan and commitment.
The stop-arm cameras are already in use around New York State and in other parts of Monroe County. The cameras will capture footage of drivers dangerously and illegally passing a school bus. Drivers will initially get a warning, and tickets will follow for continued infractions.
We will implement these cameras at the beginning of the ‘25-‘26 school year. Between now and then, we will have an opportunity to work with the Rochester City School District to develop a strong educational campaign. Additionally, I will be working with the Evans administration to ensure that all revenues from tickets go directly back into Vision Zero initiatives.
This initiative will foster real behavioral change. When Yonkers started this program, they issued 18,000 tickets in the first 6 months. It is encouraging that “the overwhelming majority never get a second violation.”
This is what needs to happen for us to change driver behavior to avoid crashes, injuries, and deaths.
Voting Season
Early voting started yesterday. Beth went to the Susan B. Anthony House to cast her ballot. My family will go to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday November 5th. Make sure you have a plan, and don’t forget to vote on Proposition 1 on the back. (I’ll be declaring yes!)
With every season, please know that I am glad to hear your ideas and concerns.
In service,
