Run a red light, lose your home

Sarasota, Florida - August 26, 2007 - As if we needed more evidence politicians are stupid, I present to you the Sarasota County, Florida Board of Commissioners who unanimously approved seizure of any citizen’s home who fails to pay a red light camera ticket.

As reported in theNewspaper.com, “Like several other Florida communities, Sarasota County intends to install red light cameras even though the state legislature has refused to authorize their use. Without the ability to suspend drivers’ licenses and registrations - which would require state support - county officials saw home seizure as the only realistic means of convincing residents to pay up. With $2.25 million in annual revenue expected from 18,000 citations, the county wanted to take no chances with non-payment.” [emphasis added].

Sarasota County Code 122-205(b) states, “Failure to pay any amounts provide for under this article may result in the filing of a lien against the property of the registered owner pursuant to §162.09(3) Florida Statutes and §2-349 of the Sarasota County Code.  Such lien shall be subject to foreclosure as provided by law. ”

Why stop there?  Why not repossess the car that ran the red light? Does the punishment fit the crime? This reminds me of Jean Valjean, Victor Hugo’s protagonist in Les Misérables, who is sentenced to prison for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread.

Sarasota should really demand more of its elected officials.