Traffic safety took center stage at the Lake Stevens City Council Special Meeting on July 1, 2025, as officials discussed the potential implementation of speed cameras in response to growing community concerns about speeding. Council members expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for effective measures to enhance public safety, particularly around school zones.

Council member Aaron Halverson highlighted the urgency of addressing traffic speed complaints, noting that the city’s limited resources should be directed towards public safety efforts. “We need to focus on property crimes and crimes against people,” he stated, advocating for the speed camera program as a means to alleviate the burden on local law enforcement.

During the meeting, residents voiced their frustrations about speeding in their neighborhoods, with one local, John Claybrook, describing his street as “literally like a racetrack.” He urged the council to take action, stating that the proposed speed cameras could significantly reduce dangerous driving behaviors.

Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of speed cameras, with some residents questioning their reliability and the potential for misuse. Carol Kotzick, another resident, cautioned against viewing cameras as a “fix-all” solution, suggesting that a more comprehensive approach to traffic safety should be considered, including improvements to walking areas and traffic calming measures.

In response to these concerns, Halverson acknowledged that while speed cameras are not a panacea, they serve as a “force multiplier” for traffic enforcement, especially given the current staffing limitations of the police department. He noted that the revenue generated from the program could be reinvested into further traffic safety initiatives.

The council plans to revisit the discussion in future meetings, with a commitment to gather more data on ticket issuance and the effectiveness of speed cameras in comparable cities. As the public hearing remains open, residents are encouraged to continue sharing their thoughts on this critical issue, which aims to make Lake Stevens a safer place for all.