Crime & Safety

'When will elected officials learn they are not above following the law?'

Laurel Patch readers react to the case of a Prince George's Councilwoman caught speeding close to 105 mph.

The case of a who police say was speeding on the Capital Beltway at close to 105 mph earlier this month was among the most-commented posts on Laurel Patch this week.  

The incident is currently under an executive review from Prince George’s County police.

Councilmember Karen Toles (D-Dist. 7) of Suitland was fined $90 and given a warning for excessive speeding Feb. 22, according to Prince George's County police. Toles was traveling close to 105 mph—50 mph above the speed limit, according to WUSA9 and other news reports.

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Police announced this week that an executive panel would review the traffic stop, which could have come with a fine of up to $500.

Here's what Laurel Patch readers had to say about the story:

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“If this were a ‘regular’ person (not an elected official who has some political power), [her] license would be revoked and [she’d] be charged with reckless driving.” -

"The 'drivers improvement program' is a joke. $75 for an online course and quiz. What happened to the good ole drivers-ed movies like 'Mechanized Death'? We were forced to watch 'em - in public school, at that. My driving history isn't perfect but there are scenes from those movies that are still stuck in my head.”

“When will elected officials learn they are not above following the law???”

“I am shocked that the fine was only $90 and that there were not more serious charges. I do hope that something is able to 'modify' her situation before ‘the next time.’ It would be a shame for there to be needless injuries and deaths, especially when there was such a clear warning of a serious problem.”

Comments have been edited for spelling and length. See the here.

What do you think? Should Councilmember Karen Toles have gotten a larger fine for speeding?


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