The Grand Rapids Press 02/02/12
“Is ‘Cash for Cops’ a good use for Michigan’s budget surplus?”
In just eight year, the Grand Rapids Police Department has shed nearly 25% of its officers, going fro a historic high of 387 officers in 2003 to 305 today.
Attorney General Bill Schuette has asked to use the $140 million of the state’s $457 million budget surplus to put 1,000 police officers back on the beat in the next two years.
“What we really are in need of is long-term, sustained finding, but we would welcome any additional funding to allow us to restore some of the positions,” said Chief Kevin Belk. He continued by warning that the current staffing level puts the public and his fore at risk. “Obviously, you can’t hire police offices for only a year or two.”
The Grand Rapids Press noted how to spend the windfall budget surplus is one of those “good problems” to have and Schuette’s plan would provide 1,000 good-paying jobs decreased by 13,000 over the past year.
So should the state use $140 million of its budget surplus to put more cops on the street?
Kent County Bill Forsyth states that four Michigan cities – Flint, Detroit, Saginaw and Pontiac – are ranked among the top 10 violent cities in the nation and something needs to be done.
Common Sense Review
Why is it when a govt entity realizes they have extra money they must spend it? How about putting it away for a time when Michigan is really struggling? Or better yet give the tax payers back their money!
How do you expect gov’t depts. to live within their budgets when there are extra funds people come out of the woodwork with their hat in hand? “Please sir can we have some more?”
In 2009, the voters approved an income tax increase to pay for police/fire in the city of Grand Rapids, or they would have to let people go. Where is that money? I will tell you, the Grand Rapids City Commission has $7 million of those funds for discretionary spending… Don’t cry to me when this kind of swindling is happening from the people who are supposed to represent the people…
You obviously don't live in Michigan. Your leftist idol, Jennifer Granholm decimated state law enforcement and released thousands of criminals onto the streets. The State crime lab is overwhelmed, and it is well known in cities like Flint and Detroit that if you phone 911 the cops are probably not going to show up for a day or two.
ReplyDeleteGrow the fuck up and buy a clue.