I know this is long overdue, but I just wanted to make mention of something very important that’s going on in Western New York. Even if you’re not from the Buffalo area, I think this is an interesting story about what happens when grown-ups (especially unions) throw hissy fits.
This story from The Buffalo News explains what’s going on pretty well. Here’s a basic summary:
They were frustrated over not getting the full pay hike promised them in return for a series of concessions, including one-officer patrol cars.
So some Buffalo police officers say they found a way to help the city make good on its contractual obligation. They would write parking tickets to make the money the city owes them - and draw attention to their plight at the same time. “For me and the guys I’ve talked to, it’s about trying to generate some revenue for the city and trying to get what is owed to us under this contract,” said Brendan Kiefer, a highly decorated officer in the Ferry-Fillmore District.And thus was born the 2-month-old parking ticket blitz that pits the police department against motorists.
Look, I’m not opposed to enforcing the law…but this is something different entirely. This is sheer bullying; and it’s certainly not helping the reputation of a city that’s already becoming a ghost town.