City of Wilmington Elected Official,

It has come to my attention through various sources that the Wilmington City Government is considering drastic cuts in the Fiscal Budget of 2010. The reason for the cuts seems to be a lack of funds retained by the city. The responsibility of this “quick fix” of the supposed shortage of funds falls directly on the Mayor and his City Council members, and should not place the citizens of Wilmington, North Carolina at risk by jeopardizing their safety. To consider cutting positions from the Wilmington Police Department and Wilmington Fire Department is not only unconscionable but is also dangerous. Simply stated, you don’t cut public safety…period!

I’m not sure what the issues are that you, on council, don’t understand, but we have a growing population thanks to the efforts of the councils present and past, and with that growth we absolutely need the assistance of public safety. I would prefer to see the elimination of any non- or low-productive programs that the city currently supports, and embrace the public’s right to safety. If there are questions in any of your minds as to why I am asking you for this, read/watch the news. There is a genuine need for these services. It’s not that the various department personnel aren’t doing their jobs, it’s because there is so much demand on them to begin with and because they are not adequately staffed. The Wilmington Firefighters are faced with century old buildings and homes, as well as newly built businesses and neighborhoods. They seem to constantly deal with an element of ignorance and inattention, which causes dangerous issues for them to address. The Wilmington Police Officers are dealing with challenges where the lack of jail space, prison space and the revolving door of the judicial system is allowing dangerous criminals out on the streets. The criminal society we live in today is much different than the criminal society of yesterday. This current society will take advantage of the lack of police services and victimize the citizens that you have sworn an oath to serve.

Please show the citizens of Wilmington that you care for their safety and well being.

Marcus Benson
Wilmington, North Carolina