The Recorder – Who’s to Blame?

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Published: 01/21/2023 11:01:33

Modified: 01/21/2023 11:01:05 AM

I don’t know why the City Council was so shocked by Police Chief Robert Haighs’ announcement at their Jan. 18 meeting. Some of my (elderly) neighbors ask who will answer if they need the police. My response was to call 911 and maybe a city officer would respond, but it could be the state police and who knows how long that will take. It was a quote from my letter to the editor last year. I also believe I mentioned to the board when I was a member, that this can happen when considering a vote to reduce the budget. Then who is to blame? Let’s see, the mayor and the chief? No, I believe they submitted an operating budget request for the year. So, let’s go back to the memory lane for a moment. Councilors vote on each budget to either fully fund or reduce the requested budget. With staff costs accounting for 98% of a budget, giving or taking a cut would only result in layoffs or not filling vacancies. So I believe that every advisor should do one thing. It’s to remember how they voted and to look in the mirror. If you voted for the reduction, you are looking at the only one to blame, not the mayor or the chief. I urge all residents who feel insecure about not having enough police forces to write to all councilors and let them know how you feel. I believe there will be a driving force through this council to further reduce the police budget for next year and I don’t want to write another letter saying I told you so.

Edward F. Jarvis

green field

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