WARREN Postcards back police

Council members could decide on tax legislation at their meeting tonight.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- City council is hearing from only a small group regarding the police department, some community members believe.
City resident Bobbie Brown said she is one of a group of people who are sending postcards to council members, urging them to support placing a combined income tax for the police and fire departments on the March 2 ballot.
"Not everyone feels negatively about the police department," Brown said. "They're hearing from a small minority of people. The squeaky wheel gets the grease."
She declined to identify others involved in the effort, explaining that they may not want their names published. She said random citizens interested in the safety forces rather than an organized group are behind the effort.
"I just heard about it and got involved," Brown said.
Considering legislation
Council members are considering legislation regarding the income tax. One piece would make the 0.5 percent income tax for the police and fire departments permanent. The tax, initially passed in 2001, runs out at the end of 2004.
Councilman James A. "Doc" Pugh, D-6th, is sponsoring legislation to place two separate issues of 0.25 percent each for the police and fire departments on the March ballot. Pugh's legislation would make the taxes temporary, beginning Jan. 1, 2005, and continuing through Dec. 31, 2007.
Pugh has said that based on people with whom he's spoken to in his ward, he doesn't believe the combined tax will pass. He referred to recent problems in the police department including allegations of brutality and charges of illegal strip searches.
Combined tax legislation
Councilman Gary Fonce, D-at large, who said he was unaware of the postcard campaign, expects new legislation to be presented at tonight's regular meeting to place a question on the ballot for a combined tax for three years.
"It holds council and the administration to more accountability if they know in three years they have to go back before voters," Fonce said
He believes that problems people believe are in the police department can be attributed to a lack of leadership and accountability in the city. Taking money away from the department isn't going to solve the problems.
"It's going to make it worse," Fonce said. "It's going to make more work for fewer police officers."
To appear on the March primary ballot, council must submit information to the Trumbull County Board of Elections by Dec. 18. Council members could decide how to proceed with the tax at their regular meeting tonight.
"The half-percent should be put on the ballot in unison," Brown said. "The safety forces work in unison, and it's time for the city to work in unison."
Police records
The postcard cites police records showing the low number of complaints filed compared with official contacts the department has with the public.
"When put into perspective, the WPD deserves the support and respect of each of us," the postcard states.
denise.dick@vindy.com