And sometimes they wonder why public safety in Portland has not been improving much.
Portland City Council votes to take money from Police
Parks are an integral part of a city’s infrastructure, but sometimes priorities have to be shifted.
Axios Portland is reporting $2 million was shifted from the Police budget to parks. The council member who proposed the shift said this, according to Axios:
- “Councilor Candace Avalos sought to redirect a $2 million increase in police funding — intended to bolster recruiting and retention — to park maintenance.
- “This is not about reducing police effectiveness,” Avalaos said. “It is about a balanced approach to public safety that includes well-maintained parks where families feel safe gathering.”
Some of the officials said this was not a cut to Police and the public would notice any decrease in the effectiveness of law enforcement. However, another council member said the move was ill-advised, especially given the progress (moderate) the city has made in reducing crime…