A Sarnia city councillor, defeated in last week's election, wants to make sure the 2019 Sarnia police budget sufficiently addresses the city's drug problem.
Sarnia councillors Dave Boushy and Bev MacDougall. September 25, 2018 Photo by Melanie Irwin
Bev MacDougall asked police board member Dave Boushy during Monday's corporate priorities and strategic planning meeting, if the $683,000 proposed increase will address the problem.
"I do know that it's a big problem in the south end, and I want to make sure councillor Boushy, that you've got that addressed through police services and that this isn't just picking up pay increases for what we're already doing," said MacDougall.
Councillor Boushy said that the issue is discussed at nearly every meeting, but he didn't elaborate on whether a specific plan was in place.
"There is a tremendous concern by the police board that we need more money," Boushy replied.
Councillor MacDougall has asked that city police provide the new council with a plan that possibly reallocates energy and resources to address drugs on the street.
"As an outgoing member of council, if there's one thing I'm watching for, I'm looking for the representatives of this council on that board to make sure that issue get's addressed," said MacDougall. "To the safety and benefit of the community, and most importantly the people who are suffering from addiction and crime that drives them to feed their addictions, the answer's have got to be developed."
