[NGIB]

Wonder how the gun hating liberals can spin this (from Ohio):

JEFFERSON -- In the ongoing financial crisis in Ashtabula County, the Sheriff's Department has been cut from 112 to 49 deputies. With deputies assigned to transport prisoners, serve warrants and other duties, only one patrol car is assigned to patrol the entire county of 720 square miles.

"I did the best with what they (the county commissioners) gave me. If it wasn't enough, don't blame me, don't blame this department," said Sheriff Billy Johnson.

Johnson said he is suing the commissioners to get a determination of whether he should use his limited budget to carry out obligations defined by law or put more patrol cars on the streets.

"I just can't do it anymore," he said. "I have to have the court explain to the commissioners and to me what my statutory duties are."

The Ashtabula County Jail has confined as many as 140 prisoners. It now houses only 30 because of reductions in the staff of corrections officers.

All told, 700 accused criminals are on a waiting list to serve time in the jail.

Are there dangerous people free among the 700 who cannot be locked up?

"There probably are," Sheriff Johnson said, "but I'm telling you, any known violent criminal, we're housing them. We've got murderers in there."

Ashtabula County is the largest county in Ohio by land area.

Ashtabula County Common Pleas Judge Alfred Mackey was asked what residents should do to protect themselves and their families with the severe cutback in law enforcement.

"Arm themselves," the judge said. "Be very careful, be vigilant, get in touch with your neighbors, because we're going to have to look after each other."

Link: Judge Tells Residents in Broke County to 'Arm Themselves' | The FOX Nation

[Yunus]

We must raise taxes to protect our children!

[dunerunner]

Well, no sh!t!!

But, why are the County Commisssioners still getting a salary, Why haven't other county expenditures been slashed to afford the Sheriff monies to operate the jail?

Things that make you go....Duh!!

Issue more carry permits, and wave the $67 and $92 fees.

[NGIB]

And folks I didn't post this to start a conversation on taxes & spending - it was just interesting to me that a Judge publicly stated that folks should defend themselves...

[dunerunner]

I just have a hair trigger for that type of stuff anymore!!

[Car54]

Originally Posted by NGIB

And folks I didn't post this to start a conversation on taxes & spending - it was just interesting to me that a Judge publicly stated that folks should defend themselves...

NGIB, it's quite fitting that this came about now. I'm taking a copy of this to the dinner/meeting Friday night. I'll be curious to hear some comments if they have any.

[skullcrusher]

I am not sure, but that might be the same judge who normally gives the option of some different kinds of sentences. Things like standing on the most conjested corner in town with a sign stating their offense. Of course they are minor offenses, but he like to go for humiation rather than a blot on someone's record. Might be the same judge. He's a keeper.