Wise County Sheriff Ronnie Oakes on Gov. Kaine’s proposed budget - Safety Cuts

He is Wise County, Virginia's sheriff and my sheriff. Ronnie Oakes has made our sheriffs department and staff top notch, but they need our help. this is Sheriff Oakes LTE from The Coalfield Progress (Subscription required and we like it that way)

TO THE EDITOR:

Posted: Friday, January 30, 2009 1:54 am

All sheriffs in the Commonwealth of Virginia are targeted for a 7 percent budget reduction in Gov. Kaine’s proposed budget.
Statewide, according to a survey conducted by the Virginia Sheriffs Association, this will mean a personnel reduction of at least 310 deputy sheriffs’ positions, resulting in the reduction of public safety services across the Commonwealth.
In our county, this will mean the loss of four deputy sheriff positions. The loss of these deputies will affect services for law enforcement and court services.
At a time when most Virginians are anxious and concerned about the condition of our economy and the financial woes affecting Wall Street and ultimately their employers, Virginia cannot afford to add to their burden by making them less safe!
We must continue to provide the level of public safety our citizens deserve and expect. I am asking all citizens of Wise County and the city of Norton to contact their local legislators and ask that the 7 percent reduction proposed by Gov. Kaine be restored so that we can continue to function effectively.
R.D. Oakes
Wise County sheriff

Just what is Kaine thinking? Wise County cant afford to lose four deputies. Under Warner and Kaine we are now faced with loosing needed policemen.....

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