by Kathy Savolt -
Even before The Mamaroneck Observer reported that Trustee Yizar-Reid was issued a traffic violation near Mamaroneck Avenue School last April (see HERE) rumors were circulating that she used her position as an elected official to try to get out of the traffic ticket.
The Observer requested a copy (through the Freedom of Information Act) of the officer’s bodycam footage from the Village. It took a while to receive it as the Village did not have the proper software on hand to blur identifying private information as required by law. The Village has since acquired the software.
With the video now available (see HERE), we can report that Yizar-Reid was cooperative, respectful and courteous. The officer stated that she had committed three violations: using her cellphone while driving, crossing the double yellow line and driving in the wrong direction. However, he voluntarily gave her a break by issuing only one violation for crossing the double yellow line. (See ticket HERE.) Yizar-Reid addressed the issue at a Board of Trustees meeting stating she had paid the fine.
As the officer explained the violation to her, Yizar-Reid indicated she was looking for her badge (issued to all members of the Board of Trustees because they are also Police Commissioners) and couldn’t find it. It is not clear why she did that as the violation had already been written. The badges are issued as a “token” item, and do not confer police powers on politicians.
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