I AM COMMITTED TO KEEPING OUR PVE LOCAL POLICE

The safety of our families priority #1

FISCAL INSTABILITY has placed our local police at risk, causing many in the force to leave.

We can not continue to kick the can down the road, rather than balancing our budget. In the last six years, our financial state has digressed, despite $3 million in Covid relief funds and millions in savings from staff vacancies.

We are running cash deficits and depleting our savings. This is not sustainable.

To really save our police, we must secure funding now and in the future for our police Department.

Solution LINK : FINANCIAL SOLUTION. 

POLICE ENDORSEMENT

I was invited to seek a police union endorsement, but did not pursue it.

It is a conflict of interest to seek endorsements from those with city interests.  It is a violation of the separation of powers when an elected official, who controls the purse strings, owes their elected position to anyone that negotiates for city assets. 

There is a better way.

Our police have my full support – 100%, for a much more significant and enduring reason.  The safety of our residents is my priority.  I am beholden to the will of the people, and our police keep our resident safe.  By keeping our local police we control policies and quality metrics.  Our police provide a 3-minute response time.  The Sheriffs do not negotiate or contract for any measurable service levels, including response time. 

I seek to elevate the position and stature of our police.  We would benefit from hearing a State of the City’s Safety from our Police Chief monthly at Council meetings.  This will include crime stats.  If there are crime spikes, I will ask him what he needs from Council to address the issue such as a burglary abatement program.  And I will seek to ensure our residents are informed of the MO and frequency so they can take precautions. 

MY CONTINUED STATEMENTS IN SUPPORT OF KEEP OUR POLICE

My father was a both a civilian and military police chief.

This is my speech Jan 10, 2018, the night Council approved placing Measure E on the ballot.

I clearly state my support of our police but objected to Measure E portrayed as a viable solution to our financial issues which places our police at risk.

Everything I predicted on this recording has been realized. Our police continue to depart for other cities. It has been six years and we have yet to solve the financial issues that place our police at risk.