First of all, with a city council made up of only 4 members (there are almost always an odd number of members in order to avoid a deadlock on any issue), there needs to be extremely good cooperation – and no political agendas between members – in order to accomplish what is right for the citizens in these troubled times. In this case, the right thing to do is to address the most pressing issue facing the citizens. That said, I would vote to use the $200,000 in the city budget to beef up the police department. Why fund the police instead of the Fire Department? There is still one fire truck remaining, and with good professional collaboration between police and fire, law enforcement should be able to maintain order in the community. Police officers can provide assistance to the fire fighters as needed; this is done throughout the U.S. frequently.
             Further, without additional, well-trained, well-equipped police on the streets, the acts of arson and violent crime will not be addressed. The city needs to make a show of force, and put a stop to the law breaking. Without adequate officers, and enough patrol units, the criminals are going to believe they can continue to get away with their heinous acts. What I would also propose as a council member is a vigorous public relations campaign to establish a "citizen watch" program. If the arson-related fires and violent crime are to be held in check, it is important for the people in the community to become the eyes and ears of the police.
             As to the orphanage, the council should reach out to nonprofit community groups and ask that until a new facility can be built, thirty volunteer families are needed to take these thirty children into homes and provide them with the nurturing, the food and shelter they need. When there is a crisis in a community, if the leadership reaches out to the citizens with profoundly sincere messages that truly reflect the urgency of the situation...