[Mpls] More cops? How many? How will you fund them?

[David Brauer]

Dennis writes:

> For me, it is enough that a candidate for mayor would say that they are
100%
> committed to accomplishing more appropriate staffing levels (for public
> safety) within a specific period of time, to offer myself and my neighbors
> the same level of protection that my fellow residents in more affluent
> neighbors enjoy and expect.

Dennis, a promise without a plan is pandering.

It's a shame this so quickly gets caught up in rich neighborhood/poor
neighborhoods (forget that here in Kingfield - yes, Kingfield - I had a
rolling gun battle a block from my home this summer and persistent
street-level drug dealing two blocks away).

I am NOT questioning the need for more cops with my questions, and I don't
question the legitimacy of the desire. What I AM suggesting is that if a
candidate just says "more cops" without some details on how they are going
to do it, you're less likely to get the thing you so desperately desire.

Again, 150 more cops mean $11 million bucks in a property-tax base of $180
million. That's a lot. It shouldn't be an insult to ask where the money will
come from. After all, if there's a realistic plan, it's a lot more likely to
happen.

I am asking for accountability asking on behalf of ALL citizens of the city.

Again, to those running for office:
. How many more cops do we need?
. How did you arrive at that number?
. What will you spend less on, or what will you tax more to pay for it?

I await candidates weighing in ... so far, they are the true "silent" group.

Persistently,
David Brauer
Kingfield