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Police unions give support to McMahonBy TOM WROBLESKI STATEN ISLAND, NY—Touting a passel of law-enforcement endorsements, Democratic congressional candidate Michael McMahon pledged yesterday to fight cuts in federal grant programs that help keep cops on the street. "These men and women put their lives on the line," McMahon said outside the North Shore's 120th Precinct stationhouse in St. George, where he was joined by a dozen police-union representatives. "We have to give them the resources to do their dangerous, but critical, jobs." McMahon said that COPS grant and Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant programs were once funded at nearly $5 billion, but that the Bush administration slashed the programs by $1.9 billion from 2001 to 2006. Another proposed $1.6 billion cut recently was beaten back by Congress, but McMahon said that that continuing resolution expired in March. If the cuts go through, McMahon said it could cost the city $70 million in law-enforcement funding. "As a member of Congress, I will make it a number-one priority to fight tooth and nail to make sure this funding remains at the current level and, in fact, increases." McMahon noted that overall crime on the Island is up nearly 4 percent, including a 54 percent increase in murders, to 14, not including this week's homicide in New Springville. Rapes, he said, have increased from 33 to 51, with 38 occurring in the 120th Precinct. "We have to make sure that we find the funding to keep the NYPD strong," said Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, which has endorsed McMahon. "The federal government has to kick in." McMahon has also been endorsed by the Detectives Endowment Association, the Captains Endowment Association and the Sergeants Benevolent Association.
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