Tax proposal is for police, fire only, city officials stress

The measure would be temporary and not levied against retirement or Social Security incomes.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city will make its fourth attempt at getting a temporary income tax increase passed.
Voters in the May primary will see a proposed 0.5-percent income tax increase on the ballot. It would last 3 1/2 years.
Similar issues failed in March, August and November of 2000.
Ballot language says revenues will go to the police and fire departments, understaffed because of budget cuts that forced other layoffs, cuts and the closing of parks.
Police officer Geoff Fusco said voters need to know three important things.
Restrictions: First, he said, the proposed tax is for police and fire only; second, it is temporary; and third, it will not be levied against retirement or Social Security incomes.
Earlier this week, Police Chief John Mandopoulos sported a blue Superman shirt, joking that "If people don't pass the levy, they're going to need Superman to save the city."
Mandopoulos and Fusco said they don't believe the campaign has been marred by the indictment this week of Vienna-based contractor James Matash, a former city water department employee.
Matash pleaded innocent Tuesday to a two-count federal indictment that said he agreed to give money to a Warren official in an effort to secure a demolition contract on the Hotel Regency. The second count was filed because Matash was paid in part with federal money.
A city police officer is working with a task force that has and will continue to investigate corruption in the area, Mandopoulos said.
Fusco is co-chairman of Fire and Police for a Safer City, a committee of about 50 people lobbying for the tax.
He was laid off for 13 months but was called back recently. Fusco said he could have sought employment elsewhere but noted he believes in the city and "didn't want to leave here."
All-out effort: Committee members are putting up signs, going door-to-door, calling citizens, holding fund-raisers and developing radio and TV ads.
Local businesses have indicated tremendous support and many council members and city employees have donated money to fuel the campaign, Fusco said.
Councilwoman Sherry Cox-Calloway, D-at-large, has told The Vindicator she does not support the tax issue, because there are other departments to worry about and voters have had their say.
The police chief said he is upset that some city officials and Cox-Calloway are speaking out against the tax.
"The police department is still at 54 people," he said. "We're talking about people's lives here."
A state performance audit recommends the department have 84 officers plus the chief, Mandopoulos said.
Police and fire officials have said inadequate staffing jeopardizes the lives of citizens and employees. In addition, there is little money available for training and equipment.
Mandopoulos said cruisers "are all on the verge of breakdown."
Crime increasing: Officers also say there has been an increase in the number of homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults reported since layoffs were issued. Speeding citations, DUI arrests and other violations have decreased, which means the city could be losing out on about $102,000 a year in revenue, the chief explained.
Fire Chief Jay Mulligan said he can't stress enough how important it is for voters to support the issue.
Fire safety education has been eliminated, staff has been cut and one centrally located fire station remains open.
Mulligan said 64 firefighters are on staff now. If the issue passes, the department will have 75 employees, plus the chief, and two more fire stations will open, he added.
The chief said he would like to have 87 firefighters to man three stations and fight fires and provide EMS services.
Mandopoulos said the additional tax would cost residents who earn up to $20,000 a year only $8.33 per month, while those earning $30,000 to $40,000 would pay $16.67 per month. Those making $50,000 to $60,000 would pay $25 a month, and those making $100,000 to $110,000 would pay $45.84 a month.
For more information on the issue, visit the Web site www.FirePoliceYes.com.