Drugs and alcohol continue to negatively impact our families and add to the increase in crime.

We can vote for Measure #24-91, which is on the November general election ballot. It is a $14 million per year Basic Law Enforcement Levy that will run for four years and help us fight crime in Marion County.

As Marion County sheriff, I know first-hand about the law enforcement questions we face here. Measure #24-91 has the answers:

* We will be able to add 144 more jail cells to lock up criminals.
We will add 72 cells at the county jail and another 72 at the work release center.

* We will be able to hire more deputy sheriffs to help control gangs and drugs -- and to improve our ability to enforce laws in our community. We also will add new parole/probation officers and staff in the District Attorney’s office to prosecute offenders.

* We will be able to provide mandatory alcohol and drug treatment for juvenile and adult offenders. The recent Connections 2 study showed that, without this kind of treatment, more than half of those with alcohol and drug problems will commit crimes again.

Over the past several months, I have worked with other law enforcement officials in Marion County to craft the solutions contained in Measure
#24-91. With passage, we will be able to assure that criminals are held accountable for their crimes.

This measure represents a solid investment in our community’s safety.

PLEASE JOIN ME IN VOTING “YES” ON MEASURE 24-91.

Raul Ramirez

Marion County Sheriff

On behalf of the Citizens Fighting Crime Committee