Controversy over school speed zone cameras not slowing City official in charge of the program pushes back against critics in answering allegations that the program is discriminatory and a money grab. Author: Dave McKinley, Bill Boyer Published: 8:27 PM EST February 23, 2021 Updated: 8:27 PM EST February 23, 2021 BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo's parking commissioner, who also spearheads the city's controversial school zone speed camera program, appeared before the Common Council on Tuesday where he pushed back hard against critics who have labeled the program both a "money grab" and "discriminatory." “I am here to dispute the unsupported and false allegations that the city school zone program discriminates against any resident or member of any particular community," said Kevin Helfer, who said the cameras have already made children safer by forcing motorists to slow down.