Preserve the Fair Haven Police Current Staffing Levels



Hello Everyone,


My intent was to stay out of town politics, but recent events have me a little concerned.  As you all know the Town Budget was recently voted down.  As a whole this isn’t a bad thing, it forces our town leaders to look hard at our revenues and expenses for cost savings, efficiencies, and opportunities to create a sustainable future for our town.

It has been brought to my attention that a small but vocal group is pushing to have the select board cut funding for our police department.  Our police department employs four full-time police officers and has for a few years now. This minority would have the board cut one of those officers, therefore reducing the police coverage we currently enjoy.

Our town and region has seen significant increases in violent crimes, drug activity, and petty crimes.  Our police department provides us the security to still allow our children the opportunity to walk our streets with relative safety.  A reduced police force threatens that very security you currently enjoy and expect!  The City of Rutland is currently working diligently to drive the criminal element out of their city with help from the DEA, FBI, Vermont State Police and our Federal Legislators.  We
cannot allow that influence to get more of a foothold in our town than it already has!  The repercussions are astronomical, from property values, and destroyed lives, to robbing our children of the future they deserve.  Our police force is our first line of defense and we just cannot afford to jeopardize our safety.

Email our select board members or call the Town Manager whether you agree with me or not, our leaders need to know how you feel.  Don’t let a loud few speak for all of us.  Speak out and when the budget is presented to the voters, don’t forget to VOTE!

Let’s make sure our leaders aren’t forced to make short term decisions on long term problems.

I have created this online petition supporting our police department, and asking the Select Board to preserve the current FH police staffing levels.  If you are a Fair Haven resident and would like to show your support please take a moment and sign in.

 

Tim