The argument to combine police departments and other governmental services has merit with respect to cost savings, but proponents of these mergers overlook an important point: the willingness of the public to pay; a concept known to all marketing firms but somehow over looked by shared services pushing politicians.  Why does someone opt for a Lexus over a Ford Escort?  Both provide transportation, and will suffice for travel to work, shopping, and recreation.  One pays for the Lexus because it offers amenities not seen in the Escort; a quieter ride, a more luxurious interior, etc.  The decision of vehicle selection is based upon willingness to pay for the comforts afforded by the Lexus.  Why then do politicians not regard shared services in the same light? 

Amenities are “extras” for which people are willing to pay…leather seats and superior sound systems in a car and waterfront property and highly rated schools in communities, both of which contribute to property values.  Apparently, the new community amenity is a local police force.  If a community is willing to pay to retain their own police department and other services, who are the politicians to criticize how someone chooses to spend their money?  Features of this amenity are a visual presence of police cars patrolling their streets at regular intervals, a knowledge that the services of the officers are dedicated to a specific, small, geographic area, and a feeling among residents that they are safer than fellow citizens with regional or merged departments because an officer is only a few minutes away. 

Ultimately the real issue is that of politicians telling taxpaying citizens how to spend their money, because, of course, citizens don’t know how to spend it best themselves.  Oddly enough, the residents of these communities generally put these politicians in power, which makes a wonderful philosophical discussion.  Before the money is spent on grants, and with consultants who sometimes don’t have the credentials to properly study the issue in depth, why not put the issue to a ballot?  Let the people decide how they want to spend their money just as they make decisions about waterfront property purchases and the quality of school systems.  Let the people choose the amenities of life for which they are willing to pay instead of assuming they are too ignorant to know what is best for them.  I’m an adult.  If I chose to purchase a Lexus over a Ford Escort it is my decision.  And, if I, and other members of our community are willing to pay each year to have our own police force, it is our decision.

Gayle Ann Livecchia, MBA MPA MS RS

29 Brookside Lane

Mount Arlington, NJ 07856