Public Safety

By James "Jim" Wudarczyk

Public Safety must be a priority

Not enough money to remedy our deteriorating infastructure is a feeble excuse in light of the fact that our taxpayers are already paying a city property tax, city income tax, $52 for the priveledge to work in the city, a RAD tax, library tax, PWSA user tax, and a 9-1-1 phone tax.

On potholes, the candiate's fear is that some motorist or bicyclist is going to swerve to avoid a pothole and someone on a bicycle will get hurt or killed. In addition, everytime that a motorist hits a pothole and damages their car, it is a hidden tax to the motorist because the City will not bear the responsibility for a car repair,which was the result of neglected streets.

As for the suggestion that the City needs to look beyond its own police ranks for a new Chief of Police, Wudarczyk completely dissents. He believes that there are many fine officers capable of filling this position, and a national search will only succeed in lowering police morale and incentive. Furthermore, a national search is a total waste of money. It is time that we stand behind our police force and commend the officers for the outstanding job they have been doing.

Wudarczyk will oppose any future reduction in the size of the police force. We cannot compromise public safety.

While blockwatches and other programs should be promoted to keep extra eyes on our streets, the greatest deterent to crime is a highly visible police force.