The Bakersfield Californian |

Monday, Mar 2 2009

I don't think Stephen King could have written a more perfect storm than the one brewing here: Massive cuts to law enforcement, including regressive bargaining, which will effectively kill recruitment when and if the hiring freeze is lifted, while at the same time the state is considering releasing untold numbers of proven violent criminals into our community.

I am glad the city had funds to build things like the ridiculously unnecessary Space Between at Rabobank Arena, and is not afraid to approve development we cannot support, while hundreds of homes sit empty. But the storms of understaffed police and more criminals (and more violent crimes) are colliding and fast.

Ask anyone who has called the police lately and waited and waited -- and waited -- for them to respond. Put yourself in their shoes, if you aren't in them already.

It's time to let our council members know what's important. No more empire building, resume padding and squirreling away funds for their re-election year projects, while your kids are walking to school among dangerous criminals.

GLEN DAVIS