DORI MONSON

Dori: I want Kent leaders to take a polygraph test about red light cameras

Aug 12, 2019, 5:28 PM | Updated: Aug 13, 2019, 7:54 am

red light cameras, Everett City Council...

Dori does not believe that red light cameras are about safety. (KIRO 7 TV)

(KIRO 7 TV)

I have a challenge to public officials in Kent. That is because they are now going to enforce their brand-new red light cameras.

In Kent, if you get a red light camera violation, that’s $136. City leaders told Q13 News that the point of having the cameras is to make streets safer.

I think they’re lying.

I’ll make public officials in Kent the same offer I made public officials in Lynnwood several years ago when they tried telling us that all the red light cameras there were just about safety. I believed then and I believe now that red light cameras are seen by politicians as nothing more than a gigantic source of revenue.

Red light cameras are nothing but scams 

I know that in my town, where we have two schools and one red light camera, if the city does not produce enough in red light revenues, the camera company will pull the cam out and move it to a spot with higher revenues. But if you’re really all about safety, your goal should be zero in revenues. You don’t want anyone getting tickets because you don’t want anyone breaking traffic rules.

In Lynnwood, the city is desperately hungry for people to get red light camera tickets because the city has built its budget in a way that relies on this revenue.

A few years ago, I called them out on this. I called the Lynnwood politicians liars on-air.

A Lynnwood City Council member called me in a fury after I said that. I wish I still had this audio. “Do you really believe we care about money more than public safety?” he said.

I made him an offer. I told him to come in and take a polygraph test. He refused.

The answer is, I really did believe it then and really do believe it to this day. If you’re building your revenue model in big part around red light cameras, then yes, I do believe money means more to you than safety.

Kent is the same way. If any Kent public officials want to come in, take a polygraph test, and prove to me that these are more about public safety than money, let’s arrange that.

I simply do not believe politicians when they tell me that anything is about more than just money.

Listen to the Dori Monson Show weekday afternoons from 12-3 p.m. on KIRO Radio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Dori: I want Kent leaders to take a polygraph test about red light cameras