A man who has become something of a folk hero to those frustrated by red light cameras is officially beginning his campaign for political office.

Stephen Ruth, who has come to prominence by repeatedly and unabashedly disabling the cameras at red lights across Long Island, is taking his role as a semi-public figure and citizens' advocate to the next level by actively seeking to provide a voice for the people of his state. Not only is he running, he's challenging the State Senate majority leader John Flanagan, a Republican from East Northport.

In June, Ruth was in court on a 17-count indictment for allegedly cutting the wires to red light cameras, claiming that they were unconstitutional. He also believes the yellow light duration at these lights was shortened in order to increase ticket revenue.

Ruth will be running as a Libertarian in the State Senate election.

More From WRRV-WRRB