We the people urgently need our police patrolling the streets and we need a fair contract that takes Springfield into consideration. Recently there has been controversy over what constitutes a fair contract for the Springfield Patrolman’s Union, but we would like to ask: what constitutes a fair contract for the residents of Springfield? The money that is spent for the Police Department by our tax payers does not exemplify a suitable citizen-police relationship.

With break-ins, gang activity, and drug use; crime is once again on the rise. Twenty months and counting; how much more time must go by before our police and government officials can come to a consensus? Springfield is not made of gold; we have to spend our money wisely. It is illogical to promise the Union pay increases, updated equipment, and more patrolmen while our city falls apart.     Both parties here are in the wrong. Yes, the union should have handled the negotiations better, but shame on the mayor for postponing an already overdo promise to the union. We the people expect our politicians to fulfill every promise they make. I hope the security for our residents does not perish due to the lack of civility by both parties involved in these negotiations. It is time for change. It’s our turn.

Michael Jones
Springfield