[lookout123]

I agree the police force should be fully staffed and supported, as should fire and other emergency services. Budget problems should not ever put those areas at risk.

That is exactly why I voted against the recent Phoenix food tax that was packaged and presented as the only viable means of saving police and fire jobs. That is complete and utter bullshit. Those vital services should be among the first expenditures and nearly untouchable in budget negotiations. Once the necessities are paid then come back and ask for more money for optional programs and services. You pay the absolute necessities first and then make the hard choices with things that may not be absolutely necessary.

Cutting vital services in a budget crunch strikes me as ludicrous. If I lose my source of income and the future looks dire, I don't quit buying food and paying the electricity. I cut out unnecessary dining out. Cable. Try to lower the water and electric bills. Maybe sell some of my unnecessary luxury items. I cut out every last discretionary item I have before I even think about touching the items that materially affect my family's health and well-being. If none of that works then I rob the neighbor because that dumb fucker probably doesn't have a gun.