Visitor objects to speed cameras

As Twins season ticket holders, we planned our summer vacation around seeing the Kernels play on July 13. We stayed in a hotel for three nights, shopped at Lindale Mall, and ate at Happy Joe's. We visited the Amana Colonies, The Czech/Slovak Museum, the Czech Village, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, The NewBo market, and the baseball park. We had a great time and were impressed with the people and attractions.

Last week, I received a letter from the City of Cedar Rapids with pictures of my car exceeding the speed limit on Interstate 380. I don't contest the violation. I do take issue with a city that practices this armchair policing. If this were any more than a money grab, the city would have actual police officers interacting with drivers who are exceeding the speed limit to intercept the behavior and assess the drivers for additional risks such as substance abuse, seat belt violations, or drivers operating a vehicle without insurance or a license.

This type of passive law enforcement does not represent the people we met or the businesses we patronized in a respectful manner. It does not treat your residents respectfully and it is insulting to those who choose to spend their vacation dollars in your city.

Jeffrey Kocur

Bloomington, Minn.