Camden in fiscal crisis
ListenHour 1
The city of Camden is in crisis, again. Just weeks after it was declared the second-most crime-ridden city in the United States (actually an improvement over last year’s “first-place finish”), Mayor Dana Redd and City Council have approved the layoffs of 383 city workers, effective Jan. 18, including about half of the city’s police force and a third of Camden’s firefighters. That comes despite the city recently receiving the largest amount in state aid of any New Jersey city this year, some $69 million. But that’s a drop in the bucket of Camden’s need, and the city is once again roiling in controversy. Joining Marty to help make sense of it all are MATT KATZ, the Philadelphia Inquirer reporter covering Camden; and RAY LAMBOY, president of the Camden County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a member of Camden’s Board of Education. And we’ll talk to WILLIAM ‘PETE’ PEREZ, a Camden firefighter and community leader about to lose his job.
Listen:
[audio: 120810_100630.mp3]
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Radio Times
Radio Times
WHYY's Radio Times is an engaging and timely call-in program that tackles wide-ranging issues of concern to listeners in the Delaware Valley.
Subscribe for free
The 2024 State of The City report outlined Philadelphia’s improving economic metrics — and ever-present factors that threaten future progress.
5 days ago
Philly City Council may expand ‘displaced worker’ law despite business pushback
As office towers are retrofitted, residential buildings’ unionized cleaners in Center City say they worry about job security. But businesses say proposed changes go too far.
6 days ago
The HOMES Campaign aims to combat rising rent prices, low-quality homes and increasing displacement in Delaware.
6 days ago
Listen 1:33