Reading between the lines: Quinn tinkering with Emanuel’s speed camera bill

Reading between the lines: Quinn tinkering with Emanuel’s speed camera bill

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There is still no decision from Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on whether he’ll allow cameras in Chicago to catch speeders. But the governor’s comments seem to indicate he will not veto the legislation outright.

The bill was pushed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who said it’s a public safety issue, but Quinn’s been noncommittal. Speeders caught by the cameras near parks or schools would get fined $100.

On Tuesday, the governor downplayed reports that his office had received far more public comments opposed to the cameras than in favor of them.

“You know, I’m not sure that’s a scientific sampling of all the people of Illinois,” Quinn told reporters.

And the governor made another comment that suggest he’s tinkering with the bill, and may send it back to lawmakers using his amendatory veto power.

“I have to put the finishing touches on that particular piece of legislation, but it’ll be done very shortly,” he said.

Quinn previously told reporters he’d act on the legislation before the end of this month. He now concedes he’ll miss that deadline. The governor said he’s been busy working on his State of the State Address, which he’ll deliver at noon Wednesday.