Mayor Bloomberg announced his intentions and priorities for the upcoming budget season. Left off the list of things to do? A raise for entry-level policemen. Their starting salaries are pitiful as a result of the PBA-negotiated agreement that leaves them making a mere $25,100 in the first year (which is not only a paltry sum, but puts the city at a competitive disadvantage when compared to the suburbs). While the NYPD contract provides significant benefits to those who have put their time in on the force, the starting salary is enough to deter people from ever considering working for the NYPD.
That has to change and soon.
Cutting the property tax (which was hiked by Bloomberg only a few years ago) is another priority as is maintaining an aged transportation system and education reforms, but when compared to the need to recruit and retain the folks that keep the city safe under all manner of conditions, without the police force, the gains made over the past decade might reverse and lower the quality of live in the City.
Correcting this major mistake on the part of the City would go a long way to showing the faith in those who keep the city safe. After that, the city should look at the tax cuts, transportation projects, education programs, and other social welfare programs.
No comments:
Post a Comment