Let Modesto residents vote on safety tax

With crime up over 30 percent and derelicts roaming the streets, no one should have any doubt that Modesto is in dire need of more police officers.

The most cost-effective means of providing security to the community is our Police Department, not private security firms that have no police power or alarm systems with no responders.

Without adequate police staffing, the deterrent to crime is inadequate. If a criminal thinks he won't be caught or punished, he will commit a crime and you might be the victim.

Due to the high crime rate, expect homeowner insurance rates to rise more than the amount of any parcel tax or sales tax increase that might be put on the ballot.

I understand the anti-tax sentiment of citizens when discussing federal and state taxes. But when it comes to paying taxes for local services that directly benefit us, the value delivered usually exceeds the cost.

The City Council needs to show leadership and put a parcel tax measure on the ballot to let us decide what kind of community we want to live in. We should vote on the measure at the next election.

BRUCE R. FROHMAN

Modesto