They're angry and showing it

Enlarge Image

Paul Thomas, professor of political studies at University of Manitoba.

The Tories are ratcheting up the pressure on the Doer government on the photo-radar fiasco by launching an online petition demanding reimbursement for drivers who paid tickets for speeding through construction zones when no workers were present.

The petition -- which hit the information superhighway last Thursday -- had collected nearly 600 virtual signatures by mid-Saturday. If the hits kept coming at the same pace over the weekend, coupled with several traditional petitions being circulated by Tory MLAs, the number of signatories would be approaching 1,000, Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen said.

"We want to give regular Manitobans a say in what's going on in the provincial government. Ultimately, we hope it will lead to the government changing its mind about the innocent Manitobans who have paid unfair photo radar tickets," McFadyen said.

"We've had a much stronger response on this issue than just about any other one in my three years as leader. This one takes the cake in terms of the number of people contacting us. We were getting hundreds of emails even before we launched the petition."

Photo radar made headlines earlier this year when University of Manitoba law student Jodi Koffman successfully argued it was the intention of lawmakers to enforce reduced speeds in construction zones only when workers are present.

Judge Norm Sundstrom agreed and threw out nine photo-radar tickets that were snapped in construction zones where motorists exceeded the temporary posted speed of 60 kilometres per hour -- not the actual 80 km/h speed limit -- but which were devoid of workers.

The Crown appealed Sundstrom's decision but dropped it earlier this month, simultaneously killing 857 ticket cases still pending in the court process.

Attorney General Dave Chomiak initially said motorists who had been given a ticket for the same violation, but paid it, would not be eligible for a refund. The resulting outcry has him reconsidering his actions. A final decision on the matter is expected in a few weeks.

McFadyen said it's too early to say what role this issue will have in the next election -- set for October 2011 -- but it's clearly one that elicits strong opinions.

"Photo radar highlights a broader problem that the government has been unable to balance its budget. It's part of its drive to raise revenue wherever it can. They're using photo radar as a new form of taxation rather than as a safety measure. They were picking the pockets of law-abiding citizens," he said.

Paul Thomas, a political studies professor at the University of Manitoba, said he doesn't think photo radar has the strength or stamina to bring the government down. He said Premier Gary Doer has proven very adept at diffusing potential bombshells.

"This government's management of its agenda has been extremely good. They don't allow an issue to fester and cause deep erosion to their support in Manitoba," he said.

Thomas said Chomiak isn't the first Doer minister who has had to equivocate in the aftermath of a public backlash. The government has a tendency to back down from strong positions on various issues, he said, with the premier often stepping in to take control.

"When power is as concentrated in the hands of the premier, he gets the credit when things are going well. He's hugely popular. But he also becomes the focal point for blame if the issue has staying power and if it reflects badly on the reputation of his government," he said.

Thomas said despite Doer's Teflon exterior for virtually all of his nine-and-a-half-year reign, he is shy of premier-for-life status.

"Undoubtedly, there are people angry or disappointed with the government on both the right and left. Gradually, over time, some of these grievances accumulate and erode the support for the government," he said.

"But Doer is a skillful leader. He appeals across party lines and to all segments. A fourth term wouldn't be out of the question. I think it would be up to him if he decides to run again."

geoff.kirbyson@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 11, 2009 A3