We no longer have enough prosecutors to charge hundreds of criminals who steal, forge, destroy property or are involved with drugs like methamphetamine.

I believe the people of Marion County deserve better. Most citizens are unaware of the crisis in our justice system until they become a victim. But criminals are quite aware that the system can’t touch them, and they exploit it everyday by committing more crimes.

This crisis cuts across every part of the public safety system:

• Criminals are not held in jail

• Criminals don’t even come to court because they know they won’t be held in jail

• Our office can’t prosecute hundreds of arrested criminals so they get immunity

• Even criminals on probation don’t obey the law because there are too few probation officers to supervise them and no jail space for punishment

Rest assured, criminals who commit violent crimes are prosecuted and send to prison. But 80% of all Oregon crimes can only be punished with our local jail or probation office. These are the criminals who steal, repeatedly break into cars and businesses or forge checks and credit cards. They damage your property and your life.

This levy is designed to hold these criminals responsible for their crimes. Jail cells, prosecutors, victim assistance, deputy sheriffs and probation officers will be increased to stop the free ride for criminals.

We can no longer allow Marion County to be a safe haven for criminals.

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

Dale Penn

Marion County District Attorney