Second most violent city in country slashes police force by half

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/Channels/Story.aspx?ID=1322125

12/5/2010

The second most violent city in the country could be a little less safe come January 18. The City Council of Camden, New Jersey voted on Thursday to lay off 400 city workers – half of which will be firefighters and police officers. The city is facing a $26.5 million budget deficit and city negotiators and union leaders have yet to reach a compromise on concessions. Part of the deficit comes from a decrease in finding provided to the city by the state. Trenton is offering $5.5. million less in aid tan it did the previous year. Part of the approved city council plan would result in 67 firefighters losing jobs – a 40 percent cut in the current operating force. City workers began receiving lay off notices Thursday afternoon. In addition to the cuts to the police force, a number of officers will find themselves demoted as departments cope with filling vacancies. The two sides negotiating concessions are hoping an agreement can be reached that will result in less jobs being slashed than agreed to by the city council.

[xchrom]

1. oh -- that's going to turn out well. nt

[rucky]

2. Makes about as much sense as firing teachers

in poorly performing districts.

[old mark]

3. Governor Christie's plan to save New Jersey. I can't wait till January

when OUR new GOP governor takes over here in PA, along with our nearly all GOP state legislature and our new republican/RW Tea Party Senator, Pat Toomey.

When the Democratic Party fails, it fails spectacularly.

mark

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. It does not have the economic support to do anything less

Camden is about as marginal as you can get economically. Just about everything and everybody are just getting by.