What’s at Stake for Savannah

martinsullivan@saveoursavannah.com (SOS) — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 22:07:03 -0500

12/29/06: Article 57

Members and Friends:

Unfortunately I don’t have the answer. What is the story with Chief Berkow? Is he going to continue to be effective as Chief? Will the negative publicity change his mind about our community? What will this mean to the City of Savannah and Chatham County?

The stakes in this spectacle are huge. Prior to the information about the LA lawsuit it was almost universally accepted that Chief Berkow was the best thing to happen to the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. We were already seeing real improvement in administration, morale and boots on the street. The Chief seemed to be everywhere. BINGO the LA lawsuit.

Now everything is in danger of falling apart. In a rush to judgment and political revenge the bureaucrats and politicians have created a lose, lose situation for Savannah. Why in the world would you request help from the GBI? Is there anyway possible a GBI contingent going to LA is going to unearth information that will damn and or exonerate Chief Berkow. Negative publicity for Savannah is what it will create. A gaggle of sheep assigning blame, establishing fallback positions and in general abdicating their responsibility. We don’t need to be casting blame we need to come together to make the best of this situation.

The reason we hired Chief Berkow is that Savannah has a crime problem. The problem has not gone away in the last 60 days. Chief Berkow has a resume that is over qualified for this position but his experience is a terrific opportunity for Savannah to hire the best in order to make our City safe again. Maybe the LA lawsuit is the reason the Chief agreed to pull up stakes, move to Georgia and take on an extremely challenging job. On the other hand, maybe he just likes a challenge. Whatever the reason, he is here now and we need to do whatever we can to support him and keep him here fighting crime. If it turns out to be more serious than it now appears, than the Mayor and Mr. Brown will have to take disciplinary action. Meanwhile, let’s please stick to the facts and assume the Chief is innocent until proven guilty. Please let’s not bury him while he is still alive.

Chief Berkow may have made some poor personal decisions but Savannah and Chatham County are crying out for his professional expertise. Without the Chief we will go backwards another year and who knows how many more will suffer home invasion, rape, murder, robbery, thief, intimidation and general lawlessness.

A safer Savannah for everyone, everyday, everywhere. You may think your opinion doesn’t matter but you can help shape a safer Savannah by letting others know how you feel. You may not agree with me, fine – but suggest a better idea. Your thoughts and comments are what make SOS such a valuable tool to help fight crime.

Thanks

Martin

SAVE OUR SAVANNAH: What’s at Stake for Savannah

What’s at Stake for Savannah