Hamilton County Judge Robert Ruehlman will remain on the case in a lawsuit against Elmwood Place over use of its traffic cameras. Attorney for the village Judd Uhl claimed the judge's words and actions "convey the impression that the judge has developed a hostile feeling or spirit of ill will..."
Ruehlman, in his decision to ban the use of the cameras with a permanent injunction, called them "a scam" and "a sham," comparing them to 3 Card Monty. But The Ohio Supreme Court said Ruehlman has followed the law and didn't act in a biased manner in a ruling it released Tuesday.
The cameras have been the subject of a lot of controversy. A group of lawmakers are promoting a statewide ban on the devices. As reported by WVXU's Mark Heyne, State Rep. Dale Mallory said the cameras are an example of big brother gone wild in a budget crunch.
Elmwood Place started the Automated Speed Enforcement Program on September 1, 2012. Since then, court documents show, the village has issued thousands of tickets. The fine for speeding is $105 and there's a $25 fee if you request an administrative hearing. Over a six month period, Elmwood Place is capable of collecting more than $2 million.
Optotraffic, LLC. owns the cameras and gets 40 percent of the revenue. Cameras are located on Vine Street near a neighborhood and a school zone.
