Nonetheless, the Republican-controlled administration did lay off police officers and didn’t fill retired officers’ positions in order to keep taxes down. Furthermore, even with the increased crime the police are still being asked, and are willing, to make concessions to step up patrols and other operations to protect and serve the citizens of Galloway.
A recent Press article discussing crime in Galloway states “from 2010 to 2012 the township has seen calls for police service increase 32 percent from 29,950 to 39,602.” Coupling these numbers with the fact that the police force has been reduced from 60 officers to 49 officers, it’s plain to see that the men and women of the Galloway Police Department are understaffed and overworked.
Meanwhile, other Press articles reveal surrounding towns are hiring officers. Galloway has not been able to do the same because of the financial mismanagement of the current and past Republican- controlled administrations. The money that was, and is, being wasted on lawsuits could have been used to protect the community.
Galloway needs to stop sacrificing the safety of its citizens in order to save money and look for other means such as bringing in more businesses and ratables to offset taxes.
Cliff Sudler
