NC lawmaker vows to penalize cities that reallocate police funds

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A North Carolina lawmaker has vowed to penalize cities that reallocate police funds.

The move comes after Asheville City Council moved $770,000 from the city police department’s budget to other areas.

Republican State Sen. Chuck Edwards, who’s running for re-election and represents a small part of Asheville, called out members over the cuts and said he plans to introduce a bill that will penalize the city when it comes to state funding, according to WLOS.

Edwards told WLOS that he’s looking into how the Republican-led General Assembly in North Carolina could penalize Asheville and other cities in the state that choose to re-direct funds from the police department.

The lawmaker believes an anti-police sentiment has taken over the city. Since June, 31 Asheville police officers have resigned from the force.

Debra Campbell, Asheville’s first Black city manager, said the cuts were “initial steps” to reallocating police funding.

Local activist says focus should be on redirecting police funds Local activist says focus should be on redirecting police funds

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