Councilman Garcia scratches his head over HPD funding
Chief Hurtt is asking for help in fighting Houston's increasing (world-class) crime problem:
Even as his officers use short-term strategies to battle Houston's recent surge in homicides, Police Chief Harold Hurtt on Wednesday called for the city to make a long-term financial commitment to public safety — and for residents to step in, as well.
His department needs more officers, updated technology and better means of collecting crime statistics, Hurtt said. But police also need for Houstonians, especially those in apartments, to take a stand against crime in their neighborhoods, he added.
Nothing surprising there, until we get to this quote from Councilman Adrian Garcia:
City Councilman Adrian Garcia said that, while the city has invested heavily in public safety, it needs to put even more into it.
"We need to invest more, but the question then becomes, 'From where?' " said Garcia, a retired Houston police officer and chairman of the council's public safety committee.
From where? Good grief! How about from the African American museum, the city's new downtown park and underground parking garage, day labor centers, Safeclear, and (temporary) homeless relocation? How about the proposed citywide wi-fi and horse trails?
If Mayor White and city council were truly serious about public safety, the money to fund it would easily be found. The fact that Mayor White has a gazillion other interests shows where his priorities are.
Posted by Anne Linehan @ 01/26/06 07:39 AM | Print |
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