“I, through my elected officials, decide what equipment the local PD gets”
I agree. But you or I are not the only ones voting.
What if populace does not share your views and want all the equipment you mentioned?
That's not how it works.
The sap (me) goes and sits in budget hearings and speaks harshly and earnestly to elected officials. The elected officials pay attention to the squeaky wheel.
That's why it's so important to get off one's fundament and go to legislative sessions, and city council meetings, and meet the city administrator.
Letting the city administrator know that you are willing to work for a 'strong mayor' election also helps.
It's called politics.
/johnny