Candidate calls for governor to declare state of emergency, bring in National Guard
In the past three years, Lawrence lost $12 - $15 million in local aid. The lack of these funds have severe reprecussions. Lawrence lost one-third of their police ranks due to these budget cuts and layoffs, so consequently when emergency services recently were faced with a large and unruly crowd, they were forced to call in reinforcements from the state and another town to assist in handling the situation. Clearly Lawrence residents have been adversely affected by State and Municipal budget cuts. It seems they don't have what we all strive for - a safe community to live and work. We all need to work to change this...all communities in MA should be safe to live and work, supporting healthy families, and with the opportunity for providing quality education for all our children.
"I feel pretty positive we will be able to restore some of those cuts," [State Rep. David] Torrisi said. "It's not consolation to the people suffering right now, but we're trying our best to deliver the resources." [Full Article: Eagle-Tribune]