I just read that there may no longer be a night shift on the Greenfield Police Department because of budgetary constraints. $400,00 removed by the City Council so they could make a “statement” to the mayor and chief of police. At who’s cost? The general public, business in town, visitors? How irresponsible this decision was. Was the thought even in place about the safety of the city or its people?

Even though I no longer reside in the city of Greenfield, I maintain contact through the Greenfield Recorder to keep abreast of events that are ongoing in the city and community. I was a town councilor for many years and a selectman for two terms. Both the council and Select Board worked as one for the betterment of the town and community to ensure safety and opportunities for all. It is truly upsetting to see what is happening to Greenfield. It was such a vibrant community offering many opportunities to all and now it will not be able to offer protection to is citizens and businesses at a very vulnerable time.

It’s time the council puts aside self serving goals and concentrate on the needs and safety of its citizens and businesses. Don’t let Greenfield continue in this spiral of self destruction but bring it back to a vibrant community where businesses and people want to live. Police protection and presence is a must to ensure that this can happen.

Robert Bellows, former town councilor and selectman

Dennis

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