The following was submitted to the Downey Patriot from the Downey Police Management Association, the Downey Police Officer’s Association, the Downey Fire Management Association, the Downey Firemen’s Association, and the Downey Public Safety Auxiliary Association:

The City of Downey is a full-service City, one of only a few in the region, providing its own police, fire, ambulance, water, public works, library and parks and recreation departments.

While Downey is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, excellent school district, and quality programming and services, the city is at risk of losing that status. Like many cities in the region, Downey has seen a large increase in retail, auto, and property crimes, as well as an increase in the number of 911 calls for service.

The Downey Police and Fire Departments take great pride in serving Downey and are doing all that they can to address these issues and protect Downey’s way of life, but more police and fire personnel are needed, it’s as simple as that.

Measure S fulfilled its promise of providing more public safety personnel, including 12 additional police officers, but it only brought the count to pre-recession, 2008 numbers. We are in 2024 and more and more are being asked of our public safety personnel.

In response to these needs, the City of Downey placed Measure D, a “Public Safety and Local Control Measure”, on the November election ballot. Measure D is a ¼ cent sales tax generating much needed funds for public safety personnel and equipment, allowing Downey to maintain safety and the quality of life that our residents have come to expect and deserve.

Measure D is a consumption tax, meaning it is an add on to the purchase of a good or service, e.g., coffee, alcohol, furniture, and gifts. Prescription medicine, groceries, rent, mortgage payments, and utilities will be exempt.

Measure D will also be locally controlled. One-hundred percent (100%) of these funds will stay in Downey. The state allows up to 10.25% in sales tax per City, and our surrounding cities have already elected to be at that rate. In Downey, we are at 10%, and if we don’t utilize the remaining .25%, the money will be taken by the County or other regional agencies. Time and time again, we have seen these agencies take our sales tax dollars with little to no direct benefit to Downey residents. Measure D will ensure that these monies stay in Downey and benefit only Downey residents and businesses.

The City has demonstrated good financial stewardship of the public’s money, including Measure S. All information about the use of these funds is posted on the City’s website along with annual independent financial auditor reports, providing confirmation of proper use of these monies. Measure D will do the same.

Measure D is supported by the Downey Police Officer’s Association, Downey Firemen’s Association, as well as the Downey Police Management, Downey Fire Management Association, and the Downey Public Safety Auxiliary Association. Additionally, it is supported by many community leaders, businesses and organizations.

We are asking Downey residents to support our public safety units and vote yes on Measure D on November 5, 2024. For more information about Measure D and how you can support, please visit www.yesond4downey.com.