"I just don't feel I'm in a position to advocate for more -- I think I need to do my part, and I think I can get us through this year with what I've been given," Mew said at the meeting.
Hall says that's why he's going to vote no on an override on Tuesday.
"He made it clear to me in that meeting that he did not need that funding currently, so I voted no that evening," Hall said. "And unless I hear something different from the chief of police, then I will be a no vote as far as an override."
"My sense is based on some conversations I've had, the votes are not there," said Assembly member Debbie Ossiander. "Obviously you listen to the chief -- it's his department, he's just in there and he wants to run it the way he sees fit. I don't think the money is needed for this year."
Ossiander, also a no vote last time, says she may vote to overturn Sullivan's veto to help ease next year's projected financial shortfalls.
"I think that with the problem we've got looming next year, it's not going to hurt to have some one-time expenditures taken care of, but we'll see how it goes," Ossiander said.
If there's any hope for a veto override, Honeman says he's going to focus his attention on one person.
"I'm going to work really hard with Mr. Hall," Honeman said. "He's a good colleague, a decent man, and I think I can get him to see it a little more clearly and hopefully I'll get him to come my way."
We should see at Tuesday's Assembly meeting if there's enough support to say no to Sullivan's veto.
Assembly members Jennifer Johnston, Chris Birch and Bill Starr all say they will vote no on the override Tuesday. That means Honeman will have to change Hall's mind if there's any hope for the police academy preparation money to get restored in the 2010 budget.
Contact Jason Lamb at jlamb@ktuu.com
