Virg understands that safety is key to quality of life. It is job one of government. New economic development and innovative school and community programs cannot thrive in areas with crime.
Most politicians talk about making public safety a priority. Virg has done more than talk on this issue. He has made the tough budget decisions necessary to protect police and fire. And his priorities are making a difference in Lansing. According to the State Police, crime rates in Lansing dropped 16% percent under Bernero's tenure.
Even though cities across Michigan have had to downsize, and even though the city of Lansing's budget is 20% smaller now than it was when Virg first became mayor in 2006, Lansing still has more police officers on the street now than it did in 2006.
Virg believes that even during tough economic times we must make public safety our top priority. As Governor, Virg will:
* Order a complete performance audit of all government agencies -- including Corrections -- to identify areas of cost-savings
* Review sentencing guidelines
* Base policy decisions on evidence-based research instead of political rhetoric
* Expand the State Police Crime Lab to continue assisting even more local police precincts to fight crime
* Work with federal and local officials to protect Michigan from the ever-present threat of terrorism