The residents of Plaquemines Parish have expressed the following concerns which has resulted in the creation of this petition calling upon the Louisiana House of Representatives to either strike down SB #250 or modify its language to EXCLUDE Plaquemines Parish from the implementation of the camera system.

List of Concerns:

1.     The Citizens of Plaquemines Parish had no knowledge of the proposed system until WDSU aired a story on 05/27/15. There were no "Town Hall Meetings" to inform the Public or solicit their opinion and/or input. The Citizens of Plaquemines Parish feel that they have the right to be informed and participate in important matters that will impact both the residential and business community.

2.     There is great concern about the storage of data that will be collected and the potential for the data to be misused and/or obtained by Hackers. In consideration of the past recent incidents whereas Hackers penetrated through the stringent fire walls of major corporations such as Target and Home Depot and just this past week where 4 million Federal Government Workers information was compromised causing a potential threat to our National Security system there is valid concern by the Citizens of Plaquemines Parish.

3.     Many Citizens and Local Law Enforcement Officers feel that the local Policing should be left up to the local Police, not involving a 3rd party private firm.

4.     Many Citizens fear that once SB #250 is implemented that it will serve as a "Gateway" for the Camera System to be used for Red Light, Speeding, Seat Belt and other infractions.

5.     Lack of Transparency - On Thursday, May 28, 2015, I sent Senator Johns, the Author of SB #250, a detailed list of questions to be answered. As of this date I have not received any response. Those questions are as follows:

6.     Senator Johns: I am writing in connection with SB #250 that will allow for the State of Louisiana to install revenue generating Traffic Cameras throughout Plaquemines Parish. 

7.     Since the story aired yesterday on WDSU TV, many Plaquemines Parish Residents have raised various concerns about the proposed Traffic Camera System.

 As a result of those concerns, I would appreciate if you could provide the following information so our local people can make an informed decision as to whether or not to support the passage of the Bill.

 1.  Where will the cameras be installed throughout Plaquemines Parish (PP)?

2. How many cameras will be installed in PP?

1.     3. Who will own the cameras and the camera system?

 4. Who will maintain the cameras and the camera system?

 5. Who will install the cameras and the camera system?

 6. Will the initial purchase, installation contract and future maintenance contract(s) of the system be subject to RS 38:2212 the State Bid Law?

 7. Does a Purchase Agreement, Installation Agreement and/or Maintenance Agreement already exist and if so, with whom?

 8. What is the initial purchase price of the system, the initial installation cost of the system and the estimated annual maintenance cost of the system?

 9. Where will the funds come from to make the initial purchase and installation of the system?

1.      10. Are there any Private Firms involved that will receive a contract either to furnish, install and/or operate the system if the Bill is passed that will not be subject to submitting bids under RS 38:2212? If so, please provide all details of the Private Company, its Owners, the Terms of the Agreement and the Selection Process.

 11. This question and its subparts pertains to revenues generated from the camera system if the Bill is passed.

 A.) How much revenue will be generated from a single citation?

B.)   What percentage of the revenues will be paid to the PP DA’s Office, PPSO and any other PP Agency or Court? Please provide a breakdown by Agency.

 C. )  What is the projected annual revenue that will be paid to the above listed PP Agencies?

 D.) What other government agencies will receive revenue from the camera system? Please provide a breakdown.

 E.)  How much revenue will any Private Firm receive from the camera system for the operation of the system?

 12.Considering that PP has one the lowest crime rates in the Metropolitan New Orleans Area, how and why was PP chosen to be included in this “Pilot” program?

1.     13. Was the decision to include PP based on any type of demographics or income criteria either from the State of Louisiana or any Private Firm involved with the concept?

14.Who made the decision to include PP in the “Pilot” Program? Were there any Public Hearings, Public Meetings or Surveys done either within PP or elsewhere to inform the Public of the intent to install the system in PP?

 15. Why is the program referred to as a “Pilot” program?

 I appreciate your assistance in this matter. As soon as I receive your response, I will share it with my friends and neighbors in Plaquemines Parish.

Lastly, would you consider having a Town Meeting with the Residents of Plaquemines Parish to gather their feelings and/or support of the legislation before moving forward with a final vote on the matter? If so, please let me know and I will get with Charles Ballay, our D.A. and speak with him about arranging one.

Kindest Regards,

Louis M. Badalamenti