Detroit Emergency Services in limbo

Since the beginning of the “Great Recession” that began in December, 2007, Detroit has seen  the effects of population loss, poverty, and disinvestment on the City of Detroit. The tax base, already stressed, has deteriorated significantly, as the number of businesses and jobs has declined, unemployment has increased, and population has dwindled.  The current City of Detroit budget was balanced by including $275 million in revenues from the sale of future city revenues from the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Municipal Parking Department, and Public Lighting Department. It is highly unlikely that these budgeted revenues will materialize. Detroit imposes a high tax burden on residents, property owners, and those who work in the city, but revenues from municipal income, property, utility users' excise, and casino wagering taxes will fall significantly below the amounts included in the budget. Further, reductions in state revenue sharing will exceed the reductions budgeted. Now city council propose the laying off of 33 Emt’s and Paramedics, 100 Police, closing 77 parks and two neighborhood city halls.  We’ve heard the stories of how EMS and police failed to respond to emergency calls or just showed up too late. These reports were made under the so-called normal operating of these services, now imagine the stories waiting to happen when city council suggested cuts are made. Just over this pass weekend a man rushed his dying wife to Detroit Receiving Hospital while attempting to do CPR on her because when he called 911, he was told “there were no available units.” Some of the calls were on hold for 9 hours, before units were dispatched to them.  This is what the city of Detroit will face when the cuts are made, can the residents of the city afford this to continue to happen? I asked you. Next time this situation could very well be someone you know or love. I urge the residents to let city council and commissioner Mack know that they don’t want to be left without the help if they need it.   The other issue at hand is the propose laying off of 100 police officers…the council if you ask me is virtually setting up the city to be without the adequate emergency services that Detroit so desperately needs.  Instead of playing the political game or justifying saving your buddies job, save the emergency services that’s required under the Detroit City charter.   Which clearly states, the official are to protect the publics peace, health and safety without options. These mandatory provisions can be found under the “Home Rule City Act.” The city of Detroit is a multimillion dollar enterprise and should be able to substantially  provide the adequate services required by it’s residents. Some of the top officials payroll combined is close to two and a half million dollars, if the cuts are needed then let start from the top and work down.  After all, the Police and the Emergency technicians are the ones who’s actually servicing the calls.