OP-ED: Downey City Council united in support of Measure D

As elected representatives of Downey, we don’t always see eye to eye. Our city council is composed of individuals from different political backgrounds, with varying perspectives and approaches. However, one thing we all agree on is the need for Measure D — and we’re asking the voters of Downey to join us in supporting it.

Downey is a special place in Southeast Los Angeles County. Known for its strong sense of community, our city is proud of its safe neighborhoods, vibrant parks, and a deep history of civic engagement. One thing that sets Downey apart is that we have our own police and fire departments. This allows us to deliver high-quality, responsive services directly to our residents. It means when you call 911, you know that local first responders, who understand our community, are the ones answering the call. It’s one of the key reasons Downey is known as a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

Measure D is essential to preserving that level of safety and service. If passed, Measure D will provide much-needed revenue to strengthen our police and fire departments, allowing them to better serve and protect all of us. Our city has seen a steady increase in 911 calls, and the additional funding created by Measure D will help us maintain emergency response times, prevent crimes like thefts and burglaries, and ensure our children have safe places to play — all priorities identified by Downey residents.

A quarter cent sales tax increase, or 0.25%, adds one penny to the cost of every four-dollar purchase. For example, if you buy a $4 cup of coffee, Measure D would add just one penny to the total cost. In exchange, that small amount will help ensure our first responders can answer calls quickly, prevent crimes, and keep our neighborhoods safe.

Importantly, this tax will stay local. If Measure D doesn’t pass, the county may impose the tax increase anyway — and in that case, the funds would go to Los Angeles County, not to Downey. Keeping the revenue here means we can make sure it is spent on what matters most to our community.

As your council members, we are united in our support of Measure D because it is about ensuring our community remains safe and our first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. The choice is clear: Vote Yes on Measure D and invest in the safety of Downey.

Mayor Mario Trujillo
Mayor Pro Tem Hector Sosa
Councilwoman Claudia M. Frometa
Councilwoman Dorothy Pemberton
Councilman Horacio Ortiz