Democrats hit Douglas on public safety

The Vermont Democratic Party is hitting Republican Governor Jim Douglas today over public safety. “Public safety is one of our top concerns,” said Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin. “We cannot balance this budget on the backs of state troopers who are trying to protect Vermonters at a time where we are facing challenges that are more frightening than we faced in the past.”

Douglas’ budget this year is most notable for its many gambles and failure to live up to the governor’s own promises. Also troubling is Douglas’ suggestion that the State Police can hire troopers from local police departments around the state. “I certainly don’t approve of an all out effort to recruit from our local police departments,” said. Sen. Sears. “It doesn’t solve the problem of public safety.”