City ends deal with Redflex in wake of alleged bribery scandal
Weeks after the former CEO of a red light camera company entered a guilty plea on charges related to bribing officials in order to obtain and extend a city contract, the city has ended that contract. Mayor Michael Coleman on Wednesday announced in a press release the end of the 10 year-old deal effective immediately.
“Based upon the city’s contract authority, we will be terminating the contract with Redflex immediately. I support a photo red light camera program because it saves lives, however the actions of the Redflex executives have raised questions about the integrity of their program.”
– Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman
The cameras have not been used since a state law went into effect earlier this year barring their use unless a police officer is also present at the intersection. (jj)
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Previous: Mayor Coleman issues statement on Redflex bribery scandal 6/2015
On Friday, Columbus City Council President and leading candidate for mayor Andrew Ginther’s name was linked to a scandal involving accusations of bribery in dealings with Redflex, a red light camera company with ongoing city contracts. Ginther denied the allegations on Friday and again on Monday…calling for separate investigations from the City Attorney’s office and the Coleman administration. And while the man who wants the job is combating allegations, the man who currently holds the post chose today to issue his first statement on the matter. In it, he says that he played no role in awarding the contract to Redflex and that he is cooperating with federal investigators. (His office has been issued a subpoena for records.)
The Department of Public Safety had the responsibility to evaluate and recommend the best option for the city. I am confident that the Department complied with the appropriate laws, rules, regulations, and city policies. I have asked the Department of Public Safety to work with the City Attorney to examine the procurement, contract, and legislative process associated with the photo red light program.
I had no involvement in the decision to award the contract to Redflex.
I, along with others, have received a request to provide documents to federal investigators and I am responding fully and completely. I encourage those who receive a request for information to cooperate as I am. While I am not the focus, I do consider these allegations to be serious. As such, I will do whatever is necessary to assist the authorities.
It is important that the federal investigators are provided with the appropriate information so that all of the facts come out, so that justice can be served.
(jj)
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