Downey police officers, firefighters emphasize support for Measure D at town hall

Police Chief Scott Loughner speaks at a town hall meeting Oct. 17 at Stonewood Center.

DOWNEY — City officials gathered at a town hall meeting at Stonewood Center last week to rally support for Measure D, a local sales tax proposal aimed at strengthening public safety in Downey.

Key speakers included City Manager Roger Bradley, Police Chief Scott Loughner, Fire Chief Dan Hurlock, Mayor Pro Tem Hector Sosa, former Mayor Mario Guerra, and Nader Moghaddam, CEO of Financial Partners Credit Union.

The meeting, attended by local residents, law enforcement officers and firefighters, focused on the potential impact of Measure D on the city's public safety services. Officials emphasized that the funds generated by the measure would be used improve emergency response efforts by hiring additional police officers and firefighters.

Moghaddam pointed out that if the measure does not pass, Downey’s sales tax will likely increase regardless, with the additional revenue benefiting Los Angeles County instead of the city.

“The tax will come,” Moghaddam said. “The question is, do you want it to go to the county or keep it in Downey?”

Police Chief Loughner highlighted the recent uptick in smash-and-grab robberies and property crimes, noting that Downey police officers respond to every call. He stressed that additional revenue would help the department hire more officers to address the rising crime rates.

Fire Chief Hurlock and Mayor Pro Tem Sosa echoed the need for additional resources to maintain the city’s safety standards.

Residents in attendance asked about Measure S, a ½ percent increase to the transactions and use tax passed by voters in 2016. That revenue was used to build four new fire stations, hire 10 new police officers and 28 public safety personnel, renovate the library, and rehabilitate 10 public parks.

Guerra, a former two-time Downey mayor, sits on the Measure S Independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee and said all funds have been used successfully and transparently. He emphasized that money from Measure D would be used for police and firefighters.

Measure D has been endorsed by the labor groups representing Downey police officers and firefighters, and by the entire Downey City Council.

Also in attendance at the town hall were former mayor Alex Saab, retired school board president Martha Sodetani, Downey Police Officers Association president Ralph Diaz and Downey police captain Mike Parino, all of whom support Measure D.

City Manager Roger Bradley fields questions at a town hall meeting Oct. 17 at Stonewood Center.

Former Mayor Mario A. Guerra speaks at a Measure D town hall meeting Oct. 17 at Stonewood Center. He and several other current and former council members have endorsed Measure D.