tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060417.post7032775229174186845..comments2023-11-05T06:18:25.377-06:00Comments on The Privatopia Papers: Abbott wants "broad-based law" that preempts local regulations | The Texas TribuneEvan McKenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04479661304143631524noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060417.post-78291993714100090892017-03-21T20:28:34.849-05:002017-03-21T20:28:34.849-05:00Seems to me the primary function of hierarchies of...Seems to me the primary function of hierarchies of government should be to protect citizens from oppression at the lower levels. "Local control" should not mean "free reign to prey on citizens". <br />Texas is largely "hands off". But local governments are constantly coming up with schemes to rip off citizens. <br /><br />Consider just one example which is a problem all over the U.S. - red light cameras and speed cameras. A vendor comes to the local government and convinces folks their that the system will make money for the local government at no cost to the local government. It requires the local government to implement an ordinance or regulation which is of course designed to deprive victims of any defense, jury, trial, etc. on the basis the owner of the vehicle is presumed liable for violation of an ordinance (not criminally liable for violating state law). These need to be addressed at the state level because time and time again has proven that local government is all too happy to deprive citizens of any rights for profit. Chicago's local government officials even went so far as to expect personal profit for one of these illicit schemes, see http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/redlight/ct-red-light-cameras-lawsuit-settled-met-20170206-story.htmlIC_deLighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04545064681164387194noreply@blogger.com