Red-light cameras unethical money-grab
The motor vehicle traffic camera that films cars on East Avenue and 26th Street, set up by the former Berwyn mayor and the City Council, is an unethical way to grab money from unsuspecting motorists.

If you don’t stop (a dead stop) within the film shot of a white line, you get in the mail a violation summons to pay a $100 fine or set a date with a hearing officer to contest the summons.
A violation of not coming to a dead stop at a white line is not in the Illinois Department of Transportation Code of Safe Driving.

IDOT gave the Berwyn Police Department a traffic safety enforcement grant. The grant’s objectives are highly visible enforcement of occupant restraints (seat belts), impaired drivers, child safety seats, booster seats and speed enforcement — all visible violations.

The grant specifies that visible enforcement will change the public’s attitude regarding the nonuse of safety belts, child safety seats and violations of the speed limits. No mention of stopping within so many inches of a white line.

The safe way to make a right turn on red is to view the intersection, from a safe distance for clearance, stop and then proceed to make your turn.

It’s incredible, unethical and demeaning to a motorist to drive safely through an intersection and then be sent a film shot of not stopping on an unspecified spot on the street as a traffic violation.
To contest a summons, you’re instructed to appear on a date and time at the Berwyn police station before a hearing officer. On this occasion, the hearing officer was a Mr. Bartuca (an attorney).

A film shot of your vehicle near the intersection is shown and an interpretation of the infraction is given by Mr. Bartuca. With a snicker, “That’s a Hollywood stop; you didn’t stop at the white line.”

o thought of safety or a comment on driving safely. “Fine, $100,” Bartuca says. “Next.”
Film shown, Bartuca says, “That’s a Hollywood incorrect stop. Pay $100, or a notice of this hearing will be on your driving record.”

This type of money-grabbing from motorists is disturbing and sad and can’t be used as a deduction with the IRS.

If Berwyn is in need of money, they should ask for charitable money with the stipulation that the money would be used for safe, driveable streets by filling all the potholes on 26th Street.

Roger Salvino, Cicero, served as a Cicero police officer for more than 30 years

Berwyn Township official deserves thanks for service
Open letter to Robert Pechous, Berwyn Township supervisor:

I was born in June 1969, and your name and signature appear on my Berwyn birth certificate. I recently saw your wife’s name appear on political signs around the city of Berwyn for township supervisor, so I assume you are retiring.

I wanted to thank you for a childhood memory. For most, it probably would not be all that important. But it was and is to me, and that is why I would like to share it with you.

Back in the 1970s, you hosted special children’s events at the old Berwyn Theater. Knowing you were associated with the events, my mother took my sister and me to them. During one event, which remains fresh in my mind, “Sinbad” was screened, and I remember a giant coloring book as part of the door prize tickets.

Events such as these are part of one’s childhood memories, and I want to thank you for your positive influence in the city during the last few decades. Our family has always appreciated all you have done. I am sure we are not alone.

A little more than two years ago, I won a $200 door prize. And the first thing the family brought up was the giant coloring book I won as a child from the event you gave at the Berwyn Theater.

I am a lifelong resident of Berwyn. I will be turning 40 this June, and I will be completing my doctoral degree in educational leadership around the same time. Having been a professional elementary educator, administrator and now university graduate professor, I know how important childhood memories are. They last a lifetime.

While times have changed here in Berwyn over the years, I have been around, politicians have come and gone. But you have always been the reliable constant who has kept things together here.

Once again, just a little thank you for a childhood memory and for all you have done. For all you have done, the Berwyn Township building should bare your name. Just a suggestion.

Mark H. Gordon, Berwyn