Politics

Edwards would defund cities that defund police

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 23, 2020

The morning after the Asheville City Council voted to cut police spending by 3 percent, state Sen. Chuck Edwards announced his intent to file legislation to defund cities that "defund" the police.

"When the legislature reconvenes next year, the first bill I will introduce will defund cities that defund the police," he said. "We must maintain law and order. While municipalities have control over their local budgets, the state legislature also has control over its budget, and I intend to help create an environment where public safety is a top priority."
Edwards, a Republican who lives in Flat Rock, has long supported law enforcement and vehemently opposes the Asheville City Council's decision to reduce the police department budget. The council voted Tuesday night to cut the department's budget by $700,000.
As anti-police sentiment has grown over the past three months, 31 Asheville police officers – 13 percent of the force – have resigned. The local police chief told the Asheville Citizen-Times that the departures are "unprecedented."
"Police officers protect my family and yours," Edwards said. "Defunding police and hammering their morale until dozens resign will result in more crime, not less. The far-left Asheville City Council's decisions are reckless and endanger public safety."