Pawns in a game of political chess...

Lately, there appears to be a new trend in how large municipalities deal with budgetary shortfalls. It seems that in most instances, emergency, education and infrastructure maintenance services are first in line for cuts. WHY?!?!

Newark Mayor, Police Union Head At Odds Over Layoffs
While Sides Bicker, Residents Fear Spike In Crime
November 30, 2010 8:55 PM

NEWARK, N.J. (CBS 2/1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – There is concern and worry in New Jersey’s largest city.

Newark residents were wondering Tuesday if their streets were safe after 14 percent of the city’s police officers were laid off, CBS 2’s Pablo Guzman reports.

The mayor of Newark and his police director said even with 167 officers laid off, people will not notice a difference on the street.

“Newark residents should know that tonight. We will have virtually the same amount of people, on patrol. As we had last night. And the night before,” Mayor Cory Booker said.

But that answer was not giving the citizens comfort.

“The criminals are sitting back, saying, ‘Oh boy. I like this. I like this!’” resident Emma Montgomery said...

*snip*

That's just the most recent example I've seen. Over the past couple of years, I've been seeing it more and more, and it's always large populated cities and coincidentally almost always run by Democrats. Not to sound overly partisan on this issue, but come on folks, we're talking political demographics 101 here. All you have to do is Google "city budget cut services" and you'll see what I'm talking about. But why? Why cut such important and essential services that would surely result in severely diminishing the quality of life for all people living and working in these metropolitan areas? Aside from the fact that union pensions are now strangling these large municipalities, I believe politicians target essential services for budget cuts in order to justify raising local taxes and service fees. By raping the taxpayers, politicians can pay off the unions to secure their political support and campaign contributions. In the meantime, emergency service workers are being used as pawns in a game of political chess. Until politicians begin cutting non-essential items from their budgets and union leaders stop shoving unaffordable contracts down the throats of taxpayers, emergency service workers, and moreover, society in general, will always be at their mercy.