Just no evidence of `blue flu' by TPD

12/5/2000

I read with great interest your Nov. 24 editorial, “25 is enough.” The editorial indicated your support of the city's intent to hire a police class of 25 recruits as opposed to a class of 35 as suggested by some members of City Council. While I certainly appreciate the support of The Blade on this issue, I must clarify two points.

First, the suggestion was made that response time may be affected by “... a touch of the blue flu.” I would like to reassure both you and the general public that a job action of this type is not being conducted by the members of the Toledo Police Department. While the response times for some calls are slightly higher than last year I see no evidence of any concerted effort to increase these times.

Second, while still in reference to the response times the editorial pondered “Could it be that officers are reacting to the one-officer police car policy implemented a few years ago?” The Blade is mistaken with the inference that the expanded one-man policy has already been implemented. My predecessor Chief Galvin attempted to take a more aggressive approach to the use of one-man cars. The proposed policy changes regarding this issue however have not yet been implemented; thus our policy concerning one-man cars has not changed during this time period. This issue is scheduled for arbitration in early January.

The Toledo Police Department is composed of many fine men and women who, knowing that they may risk their lives or personal well-being on any given day, consistently strive to provide the citizens of this great city with the best police service possible. I am grateful for their efforts.

MICHAEL J. NAVARRE

Chief of Police

A writer to the Readers' Forum drums up some statistics to explain why he thinks we should reverse the Founding Fathers and eliminate the Electoral College. Under his scenario all the presidential candidates would have to do is “perform” in a TV studio and run commercials in New York, California, Florida, and Texas in order to carry the election. The remaining states would be rendered powerless. No use voting in the other states!

Talk about the tyranny of the majority. How about the tyranny of the TV screen? No, the Electoral College should remain in place so that all states have a voice.

ROBERT COX

Regents Park

In the recent past we have seen two grievous examples of the miscarriage of justice: O. J. Simpson's acquittal of two murders when the world knew he was (and is) guilty, and the U.S. Senate's refusal to ratify Bill Clinton's impeachment when the entire country knew he lied to the courts under oath and to the American public.

And now are we about to witness a third miscarriage of justice in Florida if Al Gore is permitted to steal the election from George W. Bush? I can't help but wonder what the rest of the world thinks of our vaunted justice system.

THOMAS G. CAIN

Perrysburg