Cameras should not be issuing tickets

To the editor:

Last summer, my family and I drove from Alabama to Minneapolis. We had never been to Iowa, so we were excited to see your state. We were not disappointed in the friendliness of its people or the beauty of its country. We had 16-year-old boy/girl twins. They were still learning how to drive, so I decided to let my son drive into Cedar Rapids to experience interstate traffic. I was in the front seat watching his driving and speed. A careful driver for 50 years, I have never received a speeding citation.

About a month after our trip, I received a letter from some company that installed traffic cameras around your city stating that we were fined $75 for speeding. I know my son was not speeding, but I never had the opportunity to argue my case to a real police officer. Instead, I am constantly harassed by this company's collection agents.

Recently, the Florida Supreme Court held that only law enforcement officers and traffic enforcement officers have the legal authority to issue citations for traffic infractions, which means only these officers are entitled to determine who gets prosecuted for a violation. Iowa should heed this warning. I believe it is unconstitutional for me to be harassed by non-police officers to pay a fine for which I am not guilty.

Citizens of Cedar Rapids, while we loved your state and city, we will never visit again as long as your government insists that for-profit companies can replace sworn police officers.

Andrew Luna

Florence, Ala.