Though our religious traditions vary, we all value life as a gift. The care, nurture and protection of children unites us. As people of faith, we are concerned about the lives of young people in this community. This is particularly true since Salem is experiencing a methamphetamine problem of epidemic proportions. Meth use - once an adult phenomenon- now starts with young teens. Salem’s crime rate is twice the national average. 95% of that crime is drug-related. It is time for Salem’s citizens to invest in both prevention and protection.

Salem’s “kids” will benefit from after-school programs at the city’s eleven middle schools. The after-school hours are the most likely time for young teens to make unhealthy, even criminal, choices. In a school district where 64% of two-parent families have both parents working and many children go to an empty home after school, a program like Making After School Count is an excellent investment for our community.

Salem’s “cops” will benefit from the addition of 24 police officers to work at shutting down the methamphetamine labs and drug trafficking in our city. Salem’s low police per population ratio guarantees that drug intervention and enforcement will continue to be understaffed unless we invest in prevention.

We believe Kids and Cops offers citizens a positive way to invest in the future of our kids and our community, and to demonstrate our determination to stop the loss of human potential to drugs.

We must not accept this situation, when we can
unite to change it.

Join us and vote “Yes.”

Rev. Ben Bryson

Rev. Karen Crooch

Rev. Richard R. Davis

Rev. Rob Elder

Rabbi Gary Ellison

Rev. Pamela Gurley

Rev. Stephen Haddan

Rev. Vern Madison

Rev. Gail McDougle

Rev. Margaret McMurren

Rev. Karen Nelson

Rev. Patricia Oscarson

Rev. Noel Phillips

Rev. Jim Tusant

Charles Wallace, University Chaplain

Rev. David Watson

(This information provided by Barbara T. Ross, Salem Area Faith Community)