State Senator Vows to ‘Starve’ Comm Centers

Missouri state Sen. Jason Crowell has some pretty harsh words for the state’s public safety comm centers–either consolidate down from 174 in 114 counties, or you’ll never receive state funding. “I’ll force you. I’ll starve you down to it, if you’re not going to do it of your own free will,” he explained to a reporter. He noted there are two comm centers across the street from one another in Chillicothe. Crowell’s remarks came during meetings with county leaders, and during a Senate hearing last week on legislation to impose a 25-cent phone surcharge, and allow the state to determine who receives the funding. Read more about the state’s plans here. Also read this journalism editorial about the proposed legislation.