The mayor got the tax increase he sought. What will he do with the money? If the past is prologue, the money will be used for special interst projects that leave our community none the better.
* $1 million to rebrand the city of Chattanooga.
* $2 million to fund the Office of Equity and Community Engagement, funding the "Office of New Americans.”
* $1.75 million to Community Haven.
While the city pays for nonsense of the kind listed above, the city pays nothing to the District Attorney’s Office - despite the fact that all criminal cases from the city of Chattanooga are handled by the District Attorney.
Here’s an idea: Take $1 million and allocate that money, over the next two years, towards grant funded positions in the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Why? Because Tennessee now has stronger felon in possession laws than the federal government. And these laws can be used to further reduce crime because they target those who are most willing to use violence.
Our Distrist Attorney General, Coty Wamp, has been hard at work reducing crime, prosecuting criminals, and trying cases at a record pace. It’s time for the city of Chattanooga to contribute to District Attorney Wamp’s office and her proven track record of success.
Crime is down, thanks to our District Attorney and Sheriff. As a constituent, I want to see more efforts and resources put towards getting violent criminals off of our streets. It’s time for the city to get in the fight.
Thankfully, we have a District Attorney who is up for the fight, and who will use the resources given to better all of Chattanooga.
The city has the money. The huge tax increase made sure of that. So, let’s use some of that money to get serious, violent offenders off the streets.
Where are your priorities, member of the City Council?
Miller Leonard