Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Just a few days into the city‘s new fiscal year, at least two council members want to start undoing what was approved in the budget.
A vote to purchase a new armored vehicle for the police department is still two weeks away, and already Alds. Jennifer Notariano and Roy Williams are putting the $445,000 request under the microscope.
Notariano said perhaps cheaper and less intimidating options are available. Williams says such vehicles are the purview of the Illinois National Guard, not the police, adding that perhaps the city should make use of the men and women stationed at Camp Lincoln if need be. Both criticize what they say are “overpolicing” and “militarization.”
Notariano and Williams demanded answers Tuesday from Springfield Police Cmdr. Jarod Maddox. “Our team has brought (the existing Lenco Bearcat) to many operations,” said Maddox, “whether it’s armed barricaded persons or hostage situations or high-risk warrants, we know what it does, we know how it operates, it’s been shot numerous times.”
The two alders were not alone in their opposition. Citizen Aaron Cahill said the military vehicles he operated in Afghanistan can be purchased for a fraction of the cost. What’s more, he said, “For them to say, oh, it’s twenty years old, it’s gonna break, it’s gonna break, it’s been shot a bunch. That’s all smoke and mirrors. That’s all bullcrap. The reason I know is I’ve dealt with it. I’ve done it. I’ve been shot at. I’ve been blown up.”
Williams said even though the Bearcat is in the approved “foolish budget,” it really may be just another “toy” the police want to have.
