It’s time legislators listen to citizens

On Jan. 27, KCRG-TV9 news reports contained stories about animal cruelty following the rescue of nearly 100 dogs from a puppy mill operation in west Iowa. Also included that evening was a report about incidents of crime in a northwest Cedar Rapids neighborhood that has long been considered safe. Banning traffic cameras is also a hot topic with state legislators considering a bill to outlaw them.

Recent official statistics indicate that traffic accidents in Cedar Rapids have been substantially reduced due to the use of the cameras, which in turn frees Cedar Rapids police officers to focus on crime reduction throughout the city.

I would be grateful if lawmakers would consider the need for safer neighborhoods, realize that this bill overreaches their authority and forget about a camera ban.

Lawmakers' time and energies would be better spent on finding ways to strengthen laws protecting our vulnerable animals from abuse and neglect.

Jan Watkins

Cedar Rapids