get rid of the union, fire cuba, stop cops from taking their cars home, and if the officers would take the 2% cut there would have been no layoffs. we pay their wages. we should have some say in this matter. dragster1.

Wishmistress is right, They need to throw out the union when it comes to public safety. I found out a long time ago if you do your job and do it right you don't need a union, and if you don't like what your being paid leave and find a job that pays you for what your worth. Definition of a union: A place where union officials get a pay check.

As a Military service member and a Law Enforcement Officer, public safety should never be compromised. If you don't think for one minute that criminals and foreign enemies see a reduction of forces a crime of opportunity...you're crazy. We need all the Police and Firefighters we can get on the streets and really per our city's census, we are under staffed by several members. As for you "ThePreacherMan", it's first responders and our brave men and women in service that protect that Constitution that allows you to speak so ignorantly, so unless you want to sign a blank check for your life like our police and firefighters do to protect the community you live in....shut the hell up.

As for the cops we have, why don't we have more 'cops on the beat'? (no, not beating, y'all) Put them back on the streets in this city, walking around in singles and pairs, getting to REALLY know the people they protect. Get them REALLY involved with the kids in these neighborhoods, get them out of the cars and on FOOT. I am so sick and tired of seeing them congregating in obscure places, in places that never have anything more than a '5 over' speeder. Put them back into visibility as guardians and protectors, instead of layabouts and gunslingers.

If the unions would get out of the situation, there would be no layoffs. Officers/Firefighters would be hired as necessary, and would be paid the wage agreed upon before hire. Those who do their jobs would rise to higher positions, those who do nothing, or worse, get into mischief, would go away. There would be plenty of money to sustain them.________And Preacher, there are lots of good officers and firefighters out there, and most ARE heroes. There are also many VOLUNTEER firefighters, who get NO MONEY.

less cops period, the cops only defend abortion and homosexuality...none of them defend the constitution....america is ruined, when cops and firemen i.e. union thugs, become our heroes something went wrong. You laid off cops out there I hope more follow, less government jobs make a freer people.

Frankly I wonder how well all of our city departments are being run. Seems none of them know how to cut back, or find corporate sponsors. Example: why are we putting so much money into fireworks? If we want fireworks on the 4th - have them sponsored by various corporations. Like wise, while I appreciate our police and the work they do, I have seen 15 police at a "situation" standing around talking while only 2 officers are actually working the case. When a "suit and tie" showed up the talkers suddenly scattered. It would appear that we have more officers than we need, huh?

Do hope those playing with folks lives can live with their actions.

Lots of rumors going around about the JSO, the budget,the contract negotiations and you name it. Bottom line is it appears that a lot of folks being as pawns in a dirty political brawl. Sure do hope those playing