LETTER: State must do better with public safety

To the editor:

Reference the April 21 Commentary from Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott and Gov. Bill Walker “Pulling together for a Safer Alaska” I appreciate the fact the new Director of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) knows “that ending violence in our communities will require an all-hands on-deck approach.” Perhaps she can convince the governor that Troopers are part of the solutions. The governor further states “federal funding was secured to aggressively process the backlog of evidence, pursue perpetrators, and provide justice to victims.” His answer is “Help is available. Contact the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault for information..” We may as well not call 911, not sure how long they can continue to answer the phone. Funny how he forgets his promise to support Public Safety. Why is the Department of Public Safety still reducing their budget and manpower, instead of increasing additional trooper positions? No Troopers in Girdwood. Close the Haines Trooper post down. Cut positions. Shame on you Gov. Walker. You are absolutely right. You must do better. The election is not far away.

— John Murphy

Wasilla