 |
October 1, 2004
|
Cruising Disrupts Peaceful Neighborhoods
by Phoenix City Councilman Claude Mattox
PHOENIX,AZ. A critic of efforts by
the city, myself and others to help control cruising in the city through
strict enforcement of traffic laws and other regulations misses the point of
the need for the regulation ("Low-riders Are A Scapegoat," by Bill Gilmore
in the Az Republic's Letters to the Editor Section on Friday Sept. 17).
The issue is not about low-riders or car clubs and the
claim that they are being unfairly targeted for the deeds of misbehaving
cruisers, but rather about public safety and providing law enforcement and
other important services to the community.
Frankly, much of the problem with cruising is created by outsiders who
come from other cities in the Valley and state, disrupting the flow of
traffic, causing serious traffic congestion and bringing drugs, alcohol and
even sex shows into residential neighborhoods.
Attributing traffic delays caused by unruly cruisers who
ignore traffic laws and driving courtesies to the city's infill policy is
baseless.
The policy encourages quality housing developments aimed at promoting
neighborhood stability through homeownership.
Infill is a carefully planned strategy, which takes into account basic
infrastructure needs, including traffic, to build neighborhoods.
Some seem to forget that driving is not a right but a privilege that we
must take seriously.
People who violate traffic laws and ignore traffic regulations forfeit
that privilege.
Legislation that would give police the right to tow vehicles involved in
cruising is aimed at making certain police have all of the tools necessary to
enforce the laws and discourage blatant disregard of the laws and disrespect
of the community.
Cruisers seem to think that disrupting a community and its normal traffic
flow is some kind of game.
They move their activities from one community to the next in a deliberate
attempt to outwit and catch our police officers off guard.
Be assured that the city of Phoenix will continue to enforce zero
tolerance of cruising, which is depriving our residents of the quiet enjoyment
of their homes and their neighborhoods and preventing some from receiving the
public safety services that they pay for and deserve.
This type of behavior wastes an estimated $1 million a year that otherwise
could be used to pay for other needed police and fire services.
The writer represents District 5 on the Phoenix City
Council.
