The mysterious Captain Racine, I presume.
Parade Marshal Jeff McKeown
March 15, 2008
Helding asks Council consideration of video surveillance
There may be some pushback against the plan to install multiple surveillance video cameras around the city. (More HERE.)
At least one member of Racine's City Council, Alderman Gregory Helding, 11th District, admits to having concerns about the question for more than a year -- ever since a similar, but smaller, program to monitor alleys was discussed.
After hearing Mayor Gary Becker and Police Chief Kurt Wahlen suggest a more extensive program this week, Helding is now asking for full City Council consideration of the matter, an in-depth discussion, in hopes that "we can come up with a common sense policy that balances civil liberty concerns and the need of the community to rid itself of crime."
Helding sent a letter today to the Mayor, asking that the question be referred to the council as a committee of the whole. His letter is as follows:
At least one member of Racine's City Council, Alderman Gregory Helding, 11th District, admits to having concerns about the question for more than a year -- ever since a similar, but smaller, program to monitor alleys was discussed.
After hearing Mayor Gary Becker and Police Chief Kurt Wahlen suggest a more extensive program this week, Helding is now asking for full City Council consideration of the matter, an in-depth discussion, in hopes that "we can come up with a common sense policy that balances civil liberty concerns and the need of the community to rid itself of crime."
Helding sent a letter today to the Mayor, asking that the question be referred to the council as a committee of the whole. His letter is as follows:
Dear Mayor Becker and Members of the Common Council:
Last year, we discussed a citizen request for cameras to monitor an alley. As part of that discussion, members of the Police Department informed us they were working on a system to provide security or surveillance cameras to parts of the city. At the time, I expressed some reservations about this and requested that the Common Council discuss this matter and work out a policy before we begin this type of program.
The city has been using cameras to secure its property for some time. However, we recently approved the use of cameras at some community policing locations that would also allow for surveillance of adjacent areas. There is a significant difference between securing property and the government surveillance of public places.
The Mayor and Police Chief recently announced plans to have dozens of cameras monitoring other parts of the city as well. This may be commonplace in other cities, but it is new territory for Racine. While I am not necessarily against this, I do feel we should not take this step without talking about it and making an informed decision. Something of this gravity requires more than the implicit assent found in approving the purchase of the equipment. I believe it requires thoughtful deliberation and the explicit consent of the Common Council via a resolution.
Please refer to this important matter to the Committee of the Whole.
County Democrats endorse Unified referendum
The Democratic Party of Racine County voted unanimously this week to endorse the Racine Unified School District's April 1 referendum, seeking $16.5 million for five years' worth of building repair projects.
Party chairman Michael Shields, said the vote was taken "in consideration of the age of Unified’s 33 schools (most were built prior to 1930) and the fact that the district, under revenue caps, has been unable to adequately finance facility needs in Racine Unified.
"The Democratic Party of Racine County believes that our children deserve to learn in safe and healthy environments, and that our community needs to have schools that demonstrate that we care about education. For the sake of our children and a strong community, we urge the community to vote yes on April 1."
Party chairman Michael Shields, said the vote was taken "in consideration of the age of Unified’s 33 schools (most were built prior to 1930) and the fact that the district, under revenue caps, has been unable to adequately finance facility needs in Racine Unified.
"The Democratic Party of Racine County believes that our children deserve to learn in safe and healthy environments, and that our community needs to have schools that demonstrate that we care about education. For the sake of our children and a strong community, we urge the community to vote yes on April 1."
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