As someone who has had the honor of editing Downey’s community newspaper for 20-plus years, I’ve always believed in one guiding principle: putting Downey’s residents first. Our community has thrived because we prioritize the needs of our neighbors, families, and children. Today, as we face new challenges, Measure D offers us an opportunity to continue that commitment.

Measure D is not just another ballot measure—it’s a critical investment in the safety and well-being of our community. By voting yes on Measure D, we will ensure that resident-identified priorities, such as maintaining 911 and medical emergency response times, preventing thefts and burglaries, and helping provide safe spaces for our children to play, remain strong.

Downey has always been a city where neighbors look out for one another, and at the heart of that effort are our police and fire departments. These men and women put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. But in order to continue doing so effectively, they need our support. Measure D will provide essential funding to maintain and enhance our police and fire services, ensuring that response times remain fast and our neighborhoods remain safe.

With rising crime rates across the state, we cannot afford to ignore the importance of prevention. From petty theft to more serious burglaries, crime prevention must remain a top priority. Measure D gives our police department the resources they need to stay ahead of criminal activity and protect our homes and businesses.

But safety isn’t just about responding to emergencies—it’s also about creating environments where our kids can grow and thrive. Measure D will help fund programs and initiatives that keep our parks and community spaces safe, providing children with places to play and families with places to gather, free from fear.

Our police officers and firefighters know how important Measure D is to the future of Downey. That’s why they’re standing firmly in support of it, urging every resident to vote yes. These brave first responders understand what’s at stake—they live and work here, just like the rest of us. They want what’s best for our city, and they know that Measure D is key to keeping Downey safe.

As a journalist, I have seen firsthand the impact that proactive, resident-driven initiatives can have. Measure D is a chance to take control of our future, ensuring that Downey remains a vibrant, safe, and welcoming place for generations to come.

This November, let’s continue to prioritize the needs of our community. Let’s support our police officers and firefighters, and let’s ensure that our children have safe places to play. Let’s keep Downey strong. I urge you to join me in voting yes on Measure D.

Together, we can build a safer, stronger Downey for all.