Cumberland — Every year, not-so-bright ideas emerge during the Maryland General Assembly’s 90-day session in Annapolis. One of this year’s ill-advised proposals would do away with front license plates on Maryland-registered vehicles.
The proposal is being championed by Delegate Donald Elliott, a Republican who represents portions of Frederick and Carroll counties. Elliott testified in favor of the bill last Friday.
From a cost-savings approach, the bill makes sense. From a public safety standpoint, it falls way short.
The Department of Legislative Services said the single-plate idea would save the state $518,700 in the next fiscal year and $719,700 by fiscal 2015.
But what about the impact on public safety? Maryland State Police testified that the two-plate requirement has helped law enforcement solve crimes when witnesses or security cameras spot front license plates. And the Maryland Transportation Authority uses video images on the fronts and backs of cars to catch people who fail to pay tolls using cash or E-Z pass.
Elliott told the House Environmental Matters Committee that he contacted transportation officials and police in other states and was told the single plates made no difference to public safety or toll collection. But common sense would dictate that there are times when a front license plate number is the only information a police agency has to go on.
While we understand Elliott’s desire to save taxpayer money, in this case it is penny-wise, pound-foolish. Enhanced public safety trumps the dollar.
Editorials
Related Photos
-
Climate change
Up front
Public aided by two license plates on vehicles
- Editorials
-
-
What’s ahead?
Is there a future for Cumberland’s Canal Fest/Rail Fest?
-
Old Glory
Many of us will display the United States flag this Memorial Day holiday. Special days like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Flag Day serve to bring out our patriotism.
-
Besides, they’re not interested in dental health
Dear Governor:
I am writing to thank you for your leadership in the recently called special legislative session to avoid the Doomsday budget. -
Here’s why he prefers the school he’s now attending
School is boring but we all have to go, so choose your school carefully. I attend a Christian school because I don’t have to listen to people cussing, teachers and some class mates are caring, and I’m learning about Christ.
-
Friends Aware grateful for support of public, legislators
Friends Aware Inc. would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Sen. George Edwards, Delegates Wendell Beitzel, Kevin Kelly and LeRoy Myers and the members of the Allegany County Commissioners for their support of our organization in the awarding of $250,000 through a state bond bill.
-
How it works
Anything that can be done to foster transparency in government is a good thing. The latest effort in that direction is an online class explaining how Maryland’s Open Meetings Act works.
-
Had enough
There is plenty of blame to go around for the disgraceful way public meetings have been conducted at Keyser city hall.
-
Their goal is common good, not personal gain
At his request, I am responding to Arthur Squires’ commentary, “She believes despite evidence to the contrary” (May 17 Times-News).
-
Common sense says: One high school and a VA hospital
First we build a hospital we did not need in place of two good hospitals. Now the architects tell us we should tear down the former Sacred Hospital to build a new high school we do not need. (“New Allegany architects: Tear it down — all of it,” May 9 Times-News, Page 1A)
-
Historic Cemetery Organization sets Memorial Day activities
Once again members of the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization are decorating hundreds of our designated or protected grave sites for the Memorial Day season.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
