As a Westland councilman over a nine-year period, Glenn Anderson always maintained an open and honest line of communication with his local officers that enforced our State’s laws. That dialogue continued when he served the 18th District in the Michigan House of Representatives over a six year period and as one our State Senators since 2006. Anderson knows the challenges that revenue sharing cuts have bestowed upon Michigan’s communities and the importance of maintaining public safety.

Senator Anderson also believes that developing a ticket quota system to force local police officers to make up that deficit is wrong. “I believe a ticket quota system places unnecessary constraints on the officer’s ability to use the experience and training they have gained on the job and is not only a detriment to the officer but is also a disservice to the citizens they serve.” Although Senator Anderson has taken on many worthwhile causes during his public service, introducing Senate Bill 741 would fix a problem that law enforcement professionals have been complaining about for years. Senator Anderson’s bill would stop ticket quotas and allow an officer greater discretion when determining whether a warning may be more appropriate then writing a ticket. It also outlaws a citation standard when evaluating a police officers performance.

“Senator Anderson is a true friend to police officers,” said POAM Legislative Director Kenneth E. Grabowski. “Besides forcing police officers to become tax collectors, eliminating the quota system will improve police officer’s image in the communities that they serve.”

Senator Glenn Anderson’s district includes the cities of Livonia, Garden City, Redford Township, and Westland.

State Representative Richard LeBlanc also had a long term as a Westland City Council member and was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2006, taking over Glenn Anderson’s seat after he was elected to the Michigan Senate. Representative LeBlanc introduced House Bill 5287, which mirrors Senator Anderson’s bill. LeBlanc also believes that an officer’s performance should not be based on an arbitrary standard of citations issued. LeBlanc wholeheartedly agrees with Anderson that “law enforcement is about fairness, not numbers.”

“Although traffic stops can certainly enhance public safety, it’s also very important that police officers protect local business, neighborhoods and ensure our kids safety around schools,” said LeBlanc. “I trust the police officers, not the bean counters, to determine the best time and place to handle those responsibilities. Senate Bill 741 and House Bill 5287 and my legislation will mandate that.”

“Ask any Westland police officer or resident about the availability and integrity of Glenn Anderson and Richard LeBlanc and they will whole heartedly support the Police Officers Association of Michigan’s choice of those gentlemen as our two Legislators of the Year,” boasted Kenneth E. Grabowski.