The article “Outcry ensues over frail police communication network in wake of officer shooting” (Page 1A, March 28) is a sad but timely example of why the City of San Jose should and must have a laser-like focus on providing the essential services that are actually listed in the city charter.

The proposed budget for next fiscal year creates a variety of new initiatives that will end up costing taxpayers over one million dollars.  One of the new programs includes the creation of an Office of Immigration Affairs, which I voted against, due to the fact that immigration is a federal responsibility.

Fixing the police communication network problems mentioned in the article will require allocating a significant amount of money.  The City of San Jose is also short another $20 million required to upgrade the existing portable police radios. New radios would allow San Jose police officers to collaborate across jurisdictions with other law enforcement agencies in emergency situations.

Given our limited financial resources, and the risks and repercussions of another communications mishap, I believe we’d be far better off by focusing precious taxpayer dollars on police, NOT on other areas that are already covered by the federal government.

Pierluigi Oliverio

Councilmember City of San Jose
Board member Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority