Reply #22: Well, yes and no . . .

[defendandprotect]

I live in a town of about 31,000 down from a high of 42,000 over decades.

For quite some time they've been denying the local police a new contract --

have been using lawyers to fight their union and been working to cut benefits.

They also had traffic areas which mandated a police officer controlling it most of the day.

They added traffic lights in these areas but created a mess and they've had to put at

least one officer back out there, so far. We pay our officers 10% less -- at least --

than the surrounding towns!

Meanwhile, a couple of other areas -- PRIVATE AREAS -- large supermarkets, temple

usage -- both new need police officers to handle traffic. The large Catholic Church also

gets an officer directing traffic which has been going on a long time.

Our department store occasionally needs an officer -- more often the store is running "events."

But there are serious traffic problems in the area.

MEANWHILE .... the county has moved in on us also with county police!

Large new building -- fencing -- lots of personnel and higher ups in county government.

Lots of friction.

While our officers are seen less, when they are visible they still look like officers.

Lots of attention here now on parking fines which is infuriating residents!

But, amused when I see on the sides of the cars "public servants" --- !!!!