Law enforcement agencies in Utah currently have more than 600 vacancies, causing concern for government officials. Here is how you, our reader, reacted to our story posted on our Facebook page. All comments are taken verbatim.

Steel Walker: One reason is that they are now becoming more accountable for their actions with all the video recordings. As a result of these bad apples, the public in general has become less respectful of law enforcement. Law enforcement has become less appealing as a result.

Da Fish: Actually it’s shown that the public makes a lot of false claims and that the statics are the same, a very small percentage of law enforcement are doing anything wrong. The problem is the public has no idea what they’re talking about.

Susan Stolworthy Christensen: It is no different than other professions now days that have cut pensions and retirement benefits, and don’t give wage increases to keep up with inflation. School teachers, production workers, most blue collar jobs are suffering the same outcome.

Richard Schoenfeld: Oh good! Less likely I’ll be pulled over for a burnt-out license plate light.

Ian Richardt: Oh you mean the retirement then rehire to retire again benefit? The one that caused a glut at the top and stalled promotions along with no pay increases for years?

John Johnson: I thought Utah preached smaller government? Wouldn’t a reduction in law enforcement agencies do exactly that?

Bruce Wire: The legislature and Utah League of Cities and Towns enacted the very changes that are now causing the issue. The impact of those bad changes is being felt thereby putting officers at risk and the general public at risk of reduced critical services.

Eric Arnold: Pay is the reason I left. I couldn’t turn down a job where I got paid twice as much and dealt a ton less BS.

John Lane: Why is it we always hurt the ones we Love ? No respect deserves no respect. Utah better get its act together.

Jeri-Ann Toyn: I heard it is the same with Whittier Ca police.

Quincy Mecham: Good

The North Ogden Amphitheater has divided neighbors, with lawsuits filed to stop its construction in Barker Park. Our story last week over the addition created good discussion on our Facebook page. Here’s what you had to say:

Mike Berger: I don’t get why anyone would protest a community feature that adds culture and vibrancy to their community.

Cameron Anderson: Partly because it’s costing a massive amount of money and it’s unclear exactly why North Ogden needs a multi-million dollar amphitheater. But a lot of the complaining are just ‘get off my lawn’ type people that live near the park and don’t want noise and crowds near them.

Cody Lisa S Johnson: There was ALREADY one there, they are not adding it into the park. They are simply making it more user friendly for occasions such as the 4th of July where they do all the fireworks etc. they still have very strict rules on noise and time limits. There isn’t ever going to be and rock bands etc using this facility.

Vikki Deakin: “the man isn’t convinced the worst-case scenario painted by amphitheater foes will come to pass.” Interesting point. I mean…it’s North Ogden. The Kaysville of Weber County. What do they expect: that suddenly there will be hundreds or thousands of drunken, wasted, high louts screaming and being rowdy on event evenings? Ogden has its own amphitheater (with real bands coming to play). Mostly likely we’re talking about country cover bands and NO high schoolers and locals performing. I doubt they will be inundated with impolite, criminal, outside riff-raff.

Janet Stegen Ross: Everyone should have attended the City Council meetings from the beginning of this issue. The funding had been appropriated, voted on and approved. That’s the process. But there will always be those that complain, because they feel it’s all about them!