Charles County commissioners argued at their meeting on Mar. 5 over whether or not to support House Bill 974 — a bill introduced by Prince George’s County delegation that would increase penalties from speed cameras on Indian Head Highway.
“It essentially does two things — creates a graduated fine schedule depending on the speed in excess of the legal limit and then it also creates additional fines for subsequent offenses,” Danielle Mitchell, an associate Charles County attorney, said.
“We were in Annapolis, I think it was Thursday, for the Tri-County Council reception, and we met with some of our legislators up there,” Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling (D) said at the board’s meeting last week. “I actually had a conversation with [Del. Debra Davis (D-Charles)] and it apparently got very heated on the floor of the House between the Charles County delegation and the Prince George’s County delegation.”
Bowling stated that he believes this bill would be a “tax” on the residents of Charles County.
Using his experience in administering a speed camera program, Bowling said that he knows there is a heavy monetary gain for Prince George’s County if the legislation was passed.
“I don’t think [Davis] should be alone in her fight,” Bowling said. “We should go up and testify.”
Bowling claimed that Prince George’s County has one of the few camera progams in Maryland not related to school zones. It is on Indian Head Highway and there are now plans to possibly add another, he said.
As the bill has not made it to Maryland’s Senate yet, Bowling expressed a desire to kill the bill where it stands now.
“If you can recall, commissioners, I was part of initial meetings with this body that was created in Prince George’s County,” Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II (D) said.
Collins attended meetings with Commissioner Thomasina “Sina” Coates (D) to hear out the group that helped bring about the legislation and acknowledged that he had gotten feedback from the Charles County delegation that was similar to what Bowling had said.
“I don’t necessarily know if I’m OK with the idea of just pushing as a board, being against it,” Collins said.
Without the support of the Charles County delegation, Collins was unsure if the legislation would have much steam behind it regardless.
“If we don’t stand up strong against it right now, it’s going to keep coming back,” Bowling said. “I think us not saying something, is saying something.”
Bowling suggested putting the speed monitoring systems in Charles County so that the county would see some benefit from it.
“It’s a measure of good faith on my part,” Collins said. “I attempted to bring the parties together, so I’m just being consistent. I don’t want to sign off myself on being opposed to it.”
Bowling cited shortfalls in transportation budgets, and where the money would go if these fine increases came to pass, saying, “It’s going to be a tax on our residents that’s going to go to another jurisdiction. I’m just saying, we were just identified as the wealthiest majority Black community in the country, and now you’re going to add this tax to our residents?”
“I feel like you’re arguing with yourself, because I conceded,” Collins said, saying that he acknowledges the reality of the concerns.
“But you’re not signing the letter,” Bowling replied.
“I told you why, because it’s an action of good faith from me, but I’m not saying I disagree with your point,” Collins said.
“Commissioner Collins, you’re exactly on point, you and I did attend. It is an action of good faith,” Coates said, declaring why she would not sign a letter opposing the legislation.
Bowling motioned to create a letter of opposition, with no other commissioner seconding, leading to the motion failing.
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