Letter to the Editor: Measure M defunds Menifee Police Dept.

Letter to the editor submitted by Tony Urich, president of the Menifee Police Officers Association:

I wanted to take a moment and discuss some common misconceptions about Measure M. Understandably, paying more taxes is not something anyone particularly wants. Take a minute to understand what Measure M really does.

Measure M is a measure to repeal the Measure DD sales tax initiative approved by Menifee residents in 2016. It is NOT a property tax. The Menifee Police Department gets about 1/3 of its funding from this source. A yes vote on measure M would significantly cut police services, reduce the number of police officers on the street and increase response times. Do not be fooled; a yes vote on Measure M is a yes vote on defunding the police movement. Vote NO on Measure M.

Since July 1, Menifee Police Department officers have made arrests for sales and possession of narcotics, residential and commercial burglary, robbery, auto theft, being under the influence of narcotics, property crimes and violent crimes by transients, trespassing, and many other crimes. Menifee police officers have conducted traffic enforcement to keep our roadways safe and reduce the number of traffic collisions.

However, a yes vote on Measure M goes beyond defunding the police; it also defunds fire and ambulance services. Fire and ambulance response times will increase due to lower staffing levels. In emergency situations, an additional 1 minute added to response times of police and fire can mean the difference between life and death. A yes vote on Measure M is a public safety nightmare on all levels.

The funds go to many other city services, including:

-- Emergency medical and disaster preparedness response
-- Neighborhood schools and parks
-- Safe roads and addressing traffic congestion
-- Senior/disabled/youth programs and other General Services

The Menifee Police Officer’s Association urges you to vote NO on Measure M. In a time where the future and public safety is a big topic of concern, defunding the police is a step in the wrong direction. Vote NO on Measure M to protect the safety of our community and keep Menifee moving in the right direction.