Measure K: Keeping our neighborhoods safe; vote yes to improve public safety for citizens

By Ray Madrigal
Measure K: Keeping our neighborhoods safe; vote yes to improve public safety for citizens

It’s Not a New Tax! On June 7 voters in Kings County will be faced with what some might say is the most critical long-term public safety funding measure in the County’s history.  In my humble opinion, Measure K deserves our support.

It is important to note that this is not a new tax. No one likes new taxes. The proponents of this measure certainly do not want to burden residents with additional taxes. Measure K simply proposes to maintain the County’s current sales tax rate at 7.5 percent. This rate includes the .25 percent increase imposed by California’s Proposition 30 in 2012.  That .25 percent sales tax increase is set to expire on December 31, 2016.  Proposition 30 directed the additional sales tax dollars to the state to supplement K -12 and community college funding.  This is an all too familiar scenario that leaves little room for local input on how local dollars are spent. 

Measure K will redirect the additional .25 percent sales tax revenue to a fund specifically earmarked for fire and police operations and infrastructure throughout Kings County, which includes the cities of Hanford, Lemoore, Avenal and Corcoran.  It is conservatively estimated that Measure K will generate up to $4 million annually.  Even at 7.5 percent, our countywide sales tax is still a bargain when compared to nearby cities, including Visalia 8.25 percent, Fresno 8.225 percent, Tulare 8.5 percent, Reedley and Selma 8.725 percent.   

This is an opportunity for Kings County voters to exercise local control over their tax dollars and to keep public safety a priority.  The measure contains a key provision to ensure transparency and accountability by including an oversight committee that “shall” be formed.  This committee will be comprised of one member of the public from each city and the county.  It “shall” hold open public meetings and will be responsible to conduct annual audits, make recommendations, and report findings of expenditures.  These funds would be allocated proportionately to each of the four cities and the county based on the relative populations of each.   

In light of stagnant, and even decreasing, general fund revenue streams, it has become increasingly difficult to adequately staff, equip, and house law enforcement officers and firefighters.  For example, the Kings County Fire Department stations at Burris Park, Hardwick, Stratford, and the Island District are currently staffed with only one full-time firefighter per shift.  The County would use Measure K funds to hire additional personnel to provide double staffing in those rural areas to address a longtime shortcoming in service delivery, and provide a measure of safety for responding fire personnel.  Measure K would also provide dedicated revenues for Hanford Fire Department to add much needed facilities and staffing, while Lemoore will add 10 additional fire volunteers. 

Law enforcement executives are facing challenges imposed by State Assembly Bill (AB) 109 (Realignment) and AB 47 (Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative), which have significantly changed the landscape for our sheriff and police departments.  These statutes have certainly achieved their intended purpose of reducing the state prison population, but at the expense of local law enforcement agencies.  The net effect has been to increase overall county jail populations throughout the state, including Kings County, with more serious offenders for periods well over 1 year.  AB 47 reduced many felony crimes to misdemeanors which has allowed individuals with criminal intent to avoid incarceration and free them to roam our streets.  Countywide, statistics for 2015 show a significant spike in property crimes - in the year since the passage of AB 47 - in most local jurisdictions.    

Measure K funds will be used by the County sheriff to address the immediate need for increased jail and patrol staffing.  Our police chiefs have pledged to put more officers on the streets to provide a visual deterrent to crime and enable improved response times to crimes in progress.  These funds will also be used to build facilities and purchase the equipment necessary to provide a 21st century police force.    

Anyone who shops in Kings County will be paying this tax.  It amounts to approximately $26 per person per year.  The amount is reduced when you consider non-residents from Tulare and Fresno County who find it convenient to shop in the new Costco, or I-5 travelers who pull off in Kettleman City for Starbucks, In-n-Out, or a tank of gas.  

This measure is endorsed by Sheriff Dave Robinson, Lemoore Police Chief Darrell Smith, Avenal Police Chief Rusty Stivers, Corcoran Police Chief Ruben Shortnacy, Hanford Police Chief Parker Sever, Lemoore Fire Chief John Gibson, Hanford Fire Chief Chris Eck, and County Fire Chief Bill Lynch - every police and fire chief in the county.  Furthermore, it has been strongly supported by every major fire and police labor organization in Kings County. It is rare to find a local ballot measure so universally supported.

Measure K is the game changer we need to provide for our own safety, and will allow us to respond to the largely unfunded results of misguided state initiatives.  I urge your support and a YES vote for Measure K. 

Ray Madrigal is a member of the Lemoore City Council, a retired Captain of the California Highway Patrol and a member of the Kings County Citizens for Safe Neighborhoods Committee.    

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