When does security become a priority to a community?
http://www.reviewindependent.com/articles/703/1/When-does-security-become-a-priority-to-a-community/Page1.html
Fernando Aceves
By Fernando Aceves
Published on 09/24/2008
Many cities around the Valley have experienced budget problems in the past. Some more recently than others…it’s nothing new.
Many cities around the Valley have experienced budget problems in the past. Some more recently than others…it’s nothing new.
When faced with these issues, we the residents of these communities realize that changes in spending must be made to bring things into balance. However, we also realize that certain things should be made a priority in saving over others.
One thing that most would assume to be top-priority in saving from cuts is the security of the community’s residents. That, we like to think, is a no-brainer for our city officials when doing their research as to what needs to go and what needs to be kept.
In the neighboring city of Sunnyside, recent moves made by City Manager Eric Swansen and members of the city council have made it real tough for residents of that Lower Valley community to believe that their security is important.
The city’s budget is in the hole and trimming must be done to get things in check, but at what cost? It’s obvious that the city can’t continue to spend money that it doesn’t have. However, spending money on ample police protection for the community of over 15,000 residents is a must.
Like other towns in our area, Sunnyside is in a constant battle with gang violence and a high property-crime rate. The recent shooting death of 16-year-old Juan Ramos has made it apparent (as if it wasn’t already) that kids need positive things to do more than ever, and that residents of many of the city’s neighborhoods are in need of a solid police presence.
Among Swansen’s many suggestions of ways to cut spending, was the elimination of two police officer positions. While he was at it, he suggested that the code-enforcement officer, animal control, parks and recreation staff and programs be cut as well. Apparently, although crime in the community shows no signs of letting down, he felt that the security of the city’s residents and the availability of positive activities for the community’s youth just weren’t that important.
Although the community voiced its displeasure with these proposed cuts in a variety of ways, members of the city council approved the proposed cuts and gave Swansen the green light to go-ahead with his plans.
So let’s think about this for a second. Less police presence…more opportunity to get away with committing crime. No parks and recreation programs for the kids…more free time to hang out on the streets. No community center…no safe place for kids to go play a little basketball after school. The list goes on-and-on!
Who knows what this will all mean to the immediate future of Sunnyside. If anything, neighboring communities should take notice of what’s happening in that city and find ways to ensure similar tough decisions won’t have to be made in their town. Residents should feel that their officials have their best interest in mind and that they are doing what they can to keep the community secure.
Sunnyside it seems has done the opposite, and the residents of that city should feel betrayed by their leaders.
When faced with these issues, we the residents of these communities realize that changes in spending must be made to bring things into balance. However, we also realize that certain things should be made a priority in saving over others.
One thing that most would assume to be top-priority in saving from cuts is the security of the community’s residents. That, we like to think, is a no-brainer for our city officials when doing their research as to what needs to go and what needs to be kept.
In the neighboring city of Sunnyside, recent moves made by City Manager Eric Swansen and members of the city council have made it real tough for residents of that Lower Valley community to believe that their security is important.
The city’s budget is in the hole and trimming must be done to get things in check, but at what cost? It’s obvious that the city can’t continue to spend money that it doesn’t have. However, spending money on ample police protection for the community of over 15,000 residents is a must.
Like other towns in our area, Sunnyside is in a constant battle with gang violence and a high property-crime rate. The recent shooting death of 16-year-old Juan Ramos has made it apparent (as if it wasn’t already) that kids need positive things to do more than ever, and that residents of many of the city’s neighborhoods are in need of a solid police presence.
Among Swansen’s many suggestions of ways to cut spending, was the elimination of two police officer positions. While he was at it, he suggested that the code-enforcement officer, animal control, parks and recreation staff and programs be cut as well. Apparently, although crime in the community shows no signs of letting down, he felt that the security of the city’s residents and the availability of positive activities for the community’s youth just weren’t that important.
Although the community voiced its displeasure with these proposed cuts in a variety of ways, members of the city council approved the proposed cuts and gave Swansen the green light to go-ahead with his plans.
So let’s think about this for a second. Less police presence…more opportunity to get away with committing crime. No parks and recreation programs for the kids…more free time to hang out on the streets. No community center…no safe place for kids to go play a little basketball after school. The list goes on-and-on!
Who knows what this will all mean to the immediate future of Sunnyside. If anything, neighboring communities should take notice of what’s happening in that city and find ways to ensure similar tough decisions won’t have to be made in their town. Residents should feel that their officials have their best interest in mind and that they are doing what they can to keep the community secure.
Sunnyside it seems has done the opposite, and the residents of that city should feel betrayed by their leaders.