Madison residents packed City Hall Tuesday night and voiced their opinions at a City Council public hearing regarding the 2008 budget.
Much of the hearing's debate centered on the appropriation of funds for an increased police force, support for social programs and assisting the homeless in Mayor Dave Cieslewicz's proposed $224 million budget.
Several of the proposed budget amendments call for finances to be put towards bolstering police presence throughout Madison. Supporters say adding new officers to the force and placing them in needy neighborhoods is vital to improving the safety and reducing crime.
Although the mayor wants to add 30 new officers to the Madison Police Department, Ald. Eli Judge, District 8, argues 18 officers would suffice.
Judge said fewer officers would not harm public safety; while at the same time allot more funding toward social services. He also supports additional funding for the Rape Crisis Center that would provide officers with education and counseling tactics and benefit Madison's college-age community.
This is a unique budget because a lot of the focus is on public and campus safety,"" Judge said. ""I encourage students to come out and discuss safety because it matters now more than ever.""
According to resident Timothy Johnson, his once peaceful neighborhood is now plagued with gang graffiti. He believes putting more officers on the street could help solve these problems.
""If we are to have any quality of life, we need more police who can address all issues,"" Johnson said.
Opponents of increasing the police force also say budget funds would be better spent elsewhere. Several citizens expressed concerns for the future of current social programs aimed at helping underprivileged residents.
Robert Howard, a social worker at Jefferson Middle School on Madison's west side, was surrounded by a group of his students as he spoke at the hearing. He noted Dane County has the highest incarceration rate in the state of ""people that look like this"" as he pointed to the racially diverse young people behind him.
Howard said funding for after-school and summer programs is crucial for keeping students in a safe environment and away from crime.
Nate Abrams, who has been homeless for six years, expressed his frustration with police and the city's neglect for the homeless at the hearing.
He believes allocating more money towards helping the homeless would be more beneficial than new police on the streets.
""I have a criminal record, but at 53, I'm trying to change. If I'm making an effort, all I need is a helping hand,"" Abrams said.
The council is expected to debate and vote on the budget today or Thursday.
