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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/...-law-topeka-kansas_n_1006203.html?ir=Politics
Domestic Violence Law Repealed By Lawmakers In Topeka, Kansas
TOPEKA, Kan. — Over the past month, one by one, people suspected in domestic battery cases in northeast Kansas have been set free with no charges against them. Prosecutors say they're overwhelmed with felonies and, faced with budget cuts, can't afford to pursue the cases.
Busted budgets have forced tough decisions by governments and law enforcement officials nationwide, but the Shawnee County district attorney's move to stop investigating domestic abuse and other misdemeanor cases has angered victims' advocates who say austerity has gone too far.
The advocates are also outraged by the response from the capital city of Topeka, where the City Council and mayor repealed the city's domestic abuse law Tuesday night – a move designed to ensure the city wouldn't be stuck with the bill for prosecuting such cases.
"I absolutely do not understand it," Rita Smith, executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said after the vote. "It's really outrageous that they're playing with family safety to see who blinks first. People could die while they're waiting to straighten this out."
City and county officials are still hoping to strike a deal to end the budget dispute. Interim City Manager Dan Stanley said repealing the local ordinance "removes the ambiguity" and puts Topeka, the county's largest city, in a better position to negotiate.
Most council members put the blame for their situation on the county and emphasized that they want to resolve the impasse, not deny abuse victims protection.
But City Councilwoman Denise Everhart, who voted against the repeal, said: "I just ask everybody to consider the message we're sending."
Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor has said he knew his decision would upset people but contends his hand was forced by the 10 percent cut in his budget for 2012, which he said will force him to lay off staff. He considered employee furloughs and "every angle" before making his announcement in early September.
His spokesman, Dakota Loomis, called the city's decision drastic and unprecedented but said Taylor would re-evaluate his position. The repeal doesn't end negotiations between city and county officials; "it just means there is a new dynamic in play," Loomis said.
Domestic Violence Law Repealed By Lawmakers In Topeka, Kansas
TOPEKA, Kan. — Over the past month, one by one, people suspected in domestic battery cases in northeast Kansas have been set free with no charges against them. Prosecutors say they're overwhelmed with felonies and, faced with budget cuts, can't afford to pursue the cases.
Busted budgets have forced tough decisions by governments and law enforcement officials nationwide, but the Shawnee County district attorney's move to stop investigating domestic abuse and other misdemeanor cases has angered victims' advocates who say austerity has gone too far.
The advocates are also outraged by the response from the capital city of Topeka, where the City Council and mayor repealed the city's domestic abuse law Tuesday night – a move designed to ensure the city wouldn't be stuck with the bill for prosecuting such cases.
"I absolutely do not understand it," Rita Smith, executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said after the vote. "It's really outrageous that they're playing with family safety to see who blinks first. People could die while they're waiting to straighten this out."
City and county officials are still hoping to strike a deal to end the budget dispute. Interim City Manager Dan Stanley said repealing the local ordinance "removes the ambiguity" and puts Topeka, the county's largest city, in a better position to negotiate.
Most council members put the blame for their situation on the county and emphasized that they want to resolve the impasse, not deny abuse victims protection.
But City Councilwoman Denise Everhart, who voted against the repeal, said: "I just ask everybody to consider the message we're sending."
Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor has said he knew his decision would upset people but contends his hand was forced by the 10 percent cut in his budget for 2012, which he said will force him to lay off staff. He considered employee furloughs and "every angle" before making his announcement in early September.
His spokesman, Dakota Loomis, called the city's decision drastic and unprecedented but said Taylor would re-evaluate his position. The repeal doesn't end negotiations between city and county officials; "it just means there is a new dynamic in play," Loomis said.
