Bing Reacts To City Council Override Of Budget Veto

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit City Council has voted eight to one to override Mayor Dave Bing's veto of Council's $50 million in additional cuts to his budget.

Councilwoman JoAnn Watson said Council's decision to override Mayor Dave Bing's veto should not mean fewer police officers on the street.

"No layoffs are required.  There's $81 million just in overtime ... most of which is in public safety. No layoffs are required, no layoffs are wanted. No one wants layoffs," Watson said.

WWJ's Mike Campbell reports that there is a growing concern about the size of the Detroit police force.

"If I can't replace those officers then our force is two to three hundred officers short, which we can not afford to do at this time," said Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee.
Bing reacted to the Council override saying:  "The games must stop today, we are either going to come to an agreement or this administration will have no choice but to issue the public safety lay-offs we all want to avoid."

Asked if the level of safety will be effected: "Absolutely it will be, and I don't think our citizens deserve that," said Mayor Dave Bing.

Watson says Council is willing to amend the budget anytime the Mayor finds additional revenue.