Drive launched to put photo radar before voters

A grassroots activist group has started circulating petitions to force a vote on photo radar in Arizona.

The group, "camerafraud.com," launched a drive Monday to put a proposal that would ban photo radar on the November 2010 ballot.

Newly-elected Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu was the first to sign a petition after the group filed paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. Babeu said it was an honor.

"This whole issue is being used as a way to create more revenue for the government," Babeu said. "It's been stated as such by our current governor. To say, 'Hey, we need another $90 to $120 million' -- well, if you need that money, how about going out and raising it the right way and being honest about it and don't use law enforcement as a tax collector."

Babeu added, "In the beginning, we remember everybody tried to sell this as just about safety. And you know what -- we were all scratching our chins trying to figure this one out. And now that's rolled out, we see it for what it is, especially during a budget crisis."

Babeu said photo radar is just a money maker and asked, "How about thinking of the taxpayers? We're having a tough time to pay our bills. And, yet, you're paying $180 or $200 for a ticket and it's not even served properly."

A spokesman for camerafraud.com said the initiative is aimed at protecting the balance of the rights of individuals and the need for effective law enforcement.

The group needs to collect more than 153,000 valid signatures by July 2010 to qualify for the ballot. Leaders said they hope to get 225,000 signatures to allow for disqualifications.