Here we go again. Lucas County Commissioners Pete Gerken and Anita Lopez have once more made a decision that undermines public safety in our community. This time, they voted to walk away from $68,250 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security — funds specifically designated to support high-visibility road patrols through overtime and mileage reimbursement for the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.
Turning away anticipated federal dollars that directly enhance public safety is fiscally irresponsible, particularly when Sheriff Mike Navarre is continually expected to do more with less after repeated budget cuts imposed by this commission. These funds would not have burdened local taxpayers; instead, they would have strengthened patrol presence and deterrence on our roads.
This decision is not an isolated incident. It fits a troubling pattern in which public safety has been deprioritized under the banner of “budget constraints,” an excuse that seems selectively applied. Consider the record:…