Mackey Upset By Troopers Along 153; Coppinger, Other Commissioners Not Sympathetic

  • Wednesday, August 20, 2014

County Commissioner Warren Mackey said Wednesday it is "appalling" how many state troopers are along Highway 153 writing traffic tickets.

He said, "It seems as if the Tennessee Highway Patrol is on a rampage. They are taking money out of our county to support the state budget."

County Mayor Jim Coppinger and several County Commission members did not agree.

County Mayor Coppinger said he understands that the speed control effort by the state was at the request of the city of Chattanooga.

He said, "The state has the authority to patrol that road just as the sheriff has the authority to patrol roads in the 10 municipalities."

The county mayor said the trooper arrests actually bring money to the county as the cases are taken to General Sessions Court.

County Mayor Coppinger said, "I have noticed that it seems like they are always pulling someone over on Highway 153. I have certainly slowed down."

Commissioner Joe Graham advised Commissioner Mackey to "slow down." He said with the troopers on 153 that city officers could be working other areas.

Commissioner Greg Beck said he is thankful the county is getting extra revenue from the crackdown.

Commissioner Mackey said, "I admit that I sometimes speed. I've gotten a speeding ticket in the past. I'll probably get another one within a week."

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