shame on Cook

Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook faced significant criticism regarding proposed budget cuts, particularly those targeting crucial departments like the Sheriff's Office and District Attorney's Office, amidst public concerns about rising property taxes. 

Specific Criticisms and Concerns:

• Impact on Public Safety and Services: The most prominent criticism stemmed from the potential impact of cuts on public safety. For example, Cook proposed cutting $1 million from the Sheriff's Office and $400,000 from the District Attorney's Office for the 2026 budget. District Attorney Mike Kagay vehemently opposed these reductions, arguing that they would severely hinder his office's ability to retain qualified staff and manage increasing caseloads, ultimately compromising public safety and justice in the county.
• Contradiction with Campaign Promises: Critics pointed out a potential disconnect between Cook's campaign promise to make "Public Safety A Top Priority" and his proposals to cut funding for key law enforcement and legal departments.
• "Balancing the Budget on the Backs of Departments": Some, including department heads, felt that the burden of balancing the budget was disproportionately placed on departments that provide essential services, rather than exploring alternative revenue sources or less critical areas for cuts.
• Lack of Support from Other Commissioners: Notably, Cook's motions to cut the budgets of the Sheriff's Office and District Attorney's Office were not seconded by fellow Commissioners Bill Riphahn and Aaron Mays, indicating a lack of consensus on the severity or direction of these proposed cuts. Riphahn expressed a need for further research and consultation with department heads before making such significant decisions.
• Community Concerns about Retirement Fund Cuts: Beyond specific departmental cuts, the commission's decision to reduce the county retirement fund from 75% to 50% also drew criticism, raising concerns about the financial security of county employees. 

In essence, the criticisms centered on the potential negative consequences of these budget cuts on essential county services, the apparent contradiction with public safety priorities, and the process by which these cuts were proposed without full consensus or detailed impact assessments. 

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Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live