Sen. Whitmire seeks to end $AFEclear
State Sen. John Whitmire has introduced legislation to end $AFEclear, according to a press release issued by his office:
Whitmire Introduces Legislation to End Safe Clear
AUSTIN, Texas--Today, State Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston) introduced legislation that will end Houston's "Safe Clear" program. A month after the program's inception, problems still plague the program, and officials have yet to develop a viable solution. "I don't believe it can be fixed," stated Whitmire. After a news story Saturday regarding at least 30 drivers with criminal records, the Senator stated he had enough. “As chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, I am concerned that ‘Safe Clear’ is clearly unsafe in forcing the public to ride with wreckers who may have questionable backgrounds.” Whitmire also views "Safe Clear" as a harsh policy that is not only unsafe but placed a costly burden on working families, students, and senior citizens.
Prior to the legislative proposal, Whitmire urged city officials to place a moratorium on the program until it can be thoroughly considered. Senator Whitmire stated the intended goals of promoting safety and mobility are understood. No one has a right to block the flow of traffic, but common sense dictates that a safe and timely repair on the shoulder should be allowed.
As proposed, Whitmire's bill will prohibit cities from enacting mandatory non-consent tows in its ordinances and codes. It will also prohibit cities from essentially privatizing state roads by leasing sections of state highways to tow companies for mandatory tow purposes. State highways and freeways are paid for and maintained by state gasoline taxes and state general sales taxes paid by the same working people that are subjected to this mandatory tow.
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Posted by Anne Linehan @ 02/03/05 11:04 AM | Print |
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