Public safety layoffs discussed

Flint police officers and Councilman Sheldon Neely (6th Ward) announced the layoffs of 57 police officers and 23 firefighters to members of the Mott Park Neighborhood Association Feb. 18.

Flint Police Officers Mitch Lipp and Nick Olivo talked about the gravity of the layoffs.

"Right now we have the fewest police officers," Lipp said.   The layoffs add to the 40 police officers that had already been cut and the 20 that retired.

According to Lipp, demotions of sergeants and lieutenants are also being planned.

"They're going to have to replace us," Lipp said.  "I don't know who's going to do the detective work."

Lipp and Olivo, who have been officers for over four years, cover the north end of Flint, but they often take calls from other areas.  On Feb. 17, they made an arrest for a suspect carrying a concealed weapon in Mott Park.

Brenda Williams, Mott Park executive committee board member, discussed her concerns about layoffs in public safety and new hires in other branches of local government.

"I understand council has been given a resolution to hire some additional people in some of the departments," Williams said.  "I hope that our councilman has considered that if we're going to lay off our policemen that were not going to be hiring people at $86,000."

"We're taking a firm stance on not hiring any additional people.  But we believe that losing 80 plus safety officers is just too many. We'll be fighting on behalf of the residents," Neely said,

Neely discussed options for residents who want their opinions heard by city officials.  He suggested that residents express their opinions at the Flint City Council meetings.

Board members encouraged residents to participate.

Williams said, "Here at Mott Park, we believe in public safety. We've got to do something to protect our police officers."