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MEASURE NO. 24-91 Marion County Argument in Favor: I support the public safety levy. Our criminal justice system is in crisis. Professionals who work in the law enforcement field express increased concern about their ability to effectively guarantee the safety of the citizens of Marion County within the current budget constraints. Their grave concern for citizen safety, their decreasing ability to hold criminals accountable for crimes, the increased time it takes to respond to calls from citizens in the county, the major increase in drug use, and the lack of staff to support victims of crime make passage of this levy critical. Crime is increasing in our county and is directly related to an increase in drug abuse. Drug users commit more violent crimes and are responsible for the increase in child abuse, domestic violence, and crimes against neighbors. Once an individual is incarcerated, law enforcement personnel have an obligation, to attempt to correct the behavior responsible for the criminal activity. I support the focus on mandatory drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment as a condition of release for those incarcerated. Citizens must feel confident that adults and youth sentenced for drug related crimes will return to their neighborhoods drug free. The levy as presented assures the county will continue to provide basic protection to citizens. Response for assistance will be less prolonged. Victims will have increased support. Criminals will be prosecuted and held accountable for their crimes. Police can arrest, the District Attorney can prosecute, judges can sentence, because jail space will be available. Probation and parole officers will be able to enforce conditions of release and communities will be safe. Vote yes on the public safety levy.
(This information provided by Mike Ryan, |