i find it ironic that the Valley folks continue to vote in strict conservation Republicans who are intent on continuing to cut the budget to bear bones rather than go after the oil companies and impose much needed taxes. As another commentator stated, the free ride is over. We must start paying for our government if we want to have a somewhat civilized society with basic services such as police protection provided. The situation they discuss in the article is tragic, but they keep electing the politicians  who are keeping it going.