Letter: Don’t mess with Metro success

Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999 | 9:45 a.m.

Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald says that he is satisfied with the men and women of Metro, but that he is not satisfied with its policing, nor is he satisfied with the response of the administration. Translation: He and other politicians don't like not being able to "tell" Metro what to do.

Metro has always done the right thing, without regard for what politicians may want. Metro being a separate government entity has allowed it to be more objective in its service to the public.

As a member of Metro for more than 25 years, I have seen it grow into one of the finest police agencies in our nation. I have been fortunate to represent Metro throughout the country and was its representative before the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies when it was first accredited in 1989. I know firsthand the hurdles we have jumped to achieve the reputation Metro enjoys amongst its peers.

Rather than having a few individuals decide the fate of Metro, why not have an advisory vote of the public decide. Also, advise the public of the hidden costs in the city forming its own police department -- from creating their own criminalistics, communications and other support operations to staffing their operations and management staff.

JOHN THORNTON