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HIGHLAND PARK-Ramona Pearson, the emergency financial manager appointed by the state last June to put Highland Park's books in order, disbanded the community's police force in December and turned over public safety duties to Wayne County, at no cost. Seems like a no-brainer and makes one wonder why a state takeover was necessary to make the move, which wipes out almost half of the city's $11 million debt in one shot. Unfortunately, a local judge thought differently and demanded that Pearson reopen negotiations with the Highland Park police officer's union. The negotiations may be for nothing, however. The city may end up reverting to township status, meaning Wayne County will end up providing police protection regardless of recent court actions. According to the Detroit News, all 125 city employees received layoff notices in early March.
