The people of Vernon elected a mayor and council to govern our city in a fiscally responsible manner.
The RCMP work for the people of Vernon. Supt. Reg Burgess needs to work within the budget the mayor and council give him.
Instead of lobbying for a bigger budget by telling the media about all the reductions in services he is going to make, perhaps Burgess should be reviewing his policing practices.
Perhaps he should be concentrating on finding more cost-effect ways of using his resources. Perhaps he should be concentrating on finding new innovative ways to improve the morale and proficiency of his workforce.
Perhaps Burgess should leave politics to the politicians.
Ordinary citizens can always help by demonstrating respect and appreciation for the thankless job individual officers do on a daily basis.
We may not look always forward to meeting a member of the police, but we are grateful to see one when we need help.
Lloyd Atkins,
Vernon